FREE  HOMESTEAD  LAND. 

OF  COLORADO  DESCRIBED 


Q)^^.^.>i.m'iiL. 


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.1   ri'jh'soxAj.  woiii)  BY  Tim  author 

t'W'X  1877  an  cwjinccr,  surreyin<j 
I  on  the  plains  of  Colorado,  made 
^   the  folloicing  cnlry  in  his  note 
book: 
"The  land  surface  here  is  prairie, 
usually  slightly  rolling,   hut  level 
in  many  places.     There  is  an  ahun- 
danee  of  good,   tall  grass.     While 
there  is  no  running  water  in  this 
vicinity,  water  can  be  found  by  dig- 
ging shallow  wells,  and  there  are 
frequent     water    holes    along    the 
draws.     The  soil  is  sandy  and  of 
very  good  quality.     Thousands  of 
buffalo  can  be  seen  every  day  feed- 
ing on  the  plains.^' 
Today,  just  thirty-eight  years  later,  much  of  the  land,  at 
I  he  (\cart  point  U'hcre  the  surveyor  stood   when  he  wrote  the 
(fix) re,   is  still   vacant  and,  unclaimed,  and  with  little  change, 
('.crept  for  the  passing  of  the  herds  of  buffalo.     This  spot  is  less 
llidii  tn-enty  miles  from  tiro  railroads,  and  the  land  is  luiturally 
suited  for  farming. 

There  is  onli/  one  reason  that  this,  as  u:ell  as  hundreds  of 
other  similar  locations  in  Colorado,  is  not  settled  and  farmed 
(it  the  present  time,  and  that  is,  because  the  people  who  would 
appreciale  this  farm  land  and  would  Wee  io  take  it,  knoir 
nothing  about  it. 

The  Government  of  the  United  States  has  many  millions 
of  acres  of  unused,  undeveloped  lands  in  the  State  of  Colorado. 
Much  of  this  is  good  land,  considerable  of  it  is  exceptionally 
(jood.  (did  nearly  all  of  if  is  good  for  some  purpose.  There  arc 
uiauji  families  in  the  United  States  u^ho  would  like  to  hare 
homes  on  this  laud :  and  if  they  owned  it  and  lived  upon  it,  it 
would  mean  not  ouly  a  f/ood  liring,  but  a  chance  to  prosper  (end 
income  independent. 

This  t>()ok  has  been  prepared  to  tell  the  story  of  an  unde- 
veloped empire.  It  is  not  au  adrertisonent  of  a  firm  that  has 
laud  to  sell,  and  the  descriptions  should  not  tte  niiHinterpreied 
or  condemned  because  they  arc  not  written  in  the  jlowery 
Idngudge  of  the  sales7nau. 

The  descriptious  are  intended,  to  be  used  in  connect  ion  with, 
the  )uaps  showing  the  vacant  homestead  lands.  The  tiro 
logether  show  what  land  is  vacant,  where  it  is  ami  of  what 
rlxirdcter.  .1  careful  study  of  these  should  enalde  anyone  to 
clio'-.se  d  locdfion  for  a  home  having  all  the  filatures  they  most 
desire. 

CEOh'dE    S.  CLASON. 


FREE    HOMESTEAD    LANDS     OF    COLORADO 
DESCRIBED 


Copyrighted,  1915 


THE    CLASON    MAP    COMPANY 
DENVER,  COLORADO 


Free 

Homestead  Lands 

of  Colorado 

Described 


A  Handbook  for  Settlers 

By  GEORGE  S.  CLASON 
Price,  $2,00 


Published  By 
THE  CLASON   MAP  COMPANY 

1515  Tremont  Place 
Denver,  Colo. 


Bancroft  Library 

FREE  HOMESTEAD   LANDS   OF  COLORADO. 

T\Yeiity-eight  per  cent  of  the  entire  area  of  the  State  of 
Colorado  was  unappro[)riate(l  and  unreserved  on  July  1,  1914, 
according  to  the  official  report  of  the  Ignited  States  land  office  of 
that  date. 

The  total  area  of  Colorado  is  approximately  66,000,000 
acres;  the  una])propriated  area  nearly  19,000,000  acres.  These 
unreserved  lands  e(|ual  the  area  of  the  State  of  Maine. 

In  speaking'  of  the  vacant  lands,  the  mountainous  and  forest 
areas  are  excluded;  as  this  portion  of  the  State,  covering  ap- 
proximately one-fifth  of  the  entire  area  was  withdraw^n  from 
entry  a  number  of  years  ago  and  included  in  a  system  of  National 
P^orcsts.  The  lands  Avhich  are  vacant  and  available  for  homestead 
tntry  are  mostly  non-mountainous. 

The  largest  area  of  one  character  is  probably  the  level 
prairie  lands.  These  are  generally  suitable  for  farming  and 
stock  raising. 

Another  classification,  of  which  there  is  a  tremendous  acre- 
age, could  generally  be  called  hilly  lands.  These  are  either  roll- 
ing foothills  or  low  ranges  of  hills  and  Avould  also  include  the 
mesa  lands  and  broken  lands. 

In  the  mountainous  ])()rtion  of  the  State  there  are  vast 
areas  of  vacant  lands.  com})rising  bench  lands  around  the  sides 
of  the  valleys,  natural  parks  in  the  mountains  and  small  valleys 
along  the  streams:  also  high  i)lateaus  ])ractically  level  and  offer- 
ing excellent  soil:  all  awaiting  farmers  to  claim  and  cultivate 
them. 

It  can  be  stated  as  a  general  fact,  that  the  soil  in  Colorado 
is  usually  good,  fertile  and  productive.  AVhile  a  large  propor- 
tion of  this  laild  is  Avhat  would  be  termed  "second  choice,"  that 
is,  that  the  finer  lands  have  already  been  picked  out;  yet  this 
land  would  be  considered  valuable  in  any  country,  a  large  per- 
centage of  it  being  suitable  for  cultivation. 

In  the  more  s})arsely  settled  sections,  further  from  the  rail- 
roads, the  first-class  land  has  not  even  been  taken  and  there  are 
o])i)ortunities  to  find  valleys  and  fertile  plains  as  good  as  anj^one 
could  ask  for. 

The  scenic  attractions  of  Colorado  have  been  so  widely 
heralded,  that  many  i)eople  have  formed  a  Avrong  conception  of 
the  State.  They  too  often  think  of  it  as  Switzerland  on  a  larger 
scale,  and  as  a  panoramic  conglomeration  of  mountain  peaks  and 
narrow  valleys.  As  a  matter  of  fact,  the  great  plains  that  ex- 
tend westward  from  the  Missouri  river  across  Nebraska  and  Kan- 


Free  Homestead  Lands 


sas,  continue  uninterrupted  across  the  entire  eastern  halft%f 
Colorado,  where  they  first  meet  the  foothills,  a  few  miles  west  of 
Denver. 

Colorado  is  traversed  north  and  south  by  the  Great  Con- 
tinental divide,  the  crest  of  the  Rocky  mountains.  The  streams, 
on  the  eastern  side,  drain  into  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  thence  into  the 
Atlantic  ocean;  the  streams,  on  the  western  side,  drain  into  the 
Gulf  of  California,  and  thence  into  the  Pacific  ocean.  There  are 
a  number  of  shorter  mountain  ranges,  the  general  trend  of  which 
is  north  and  south. 

Not  to  exceed  one-fourth  of  the  entire  area  of  the  State  is 
strictly  mountainous.  The  western  portion  of  Colorado,  along 
the  Utah  boundary,  is  a  succession  of  large  valleys,  high  plateaus 
and  rolling,  hilly  country.  The  mountainous  district,  which 
could  be  generally  defined  as  a  wide  belt,  just  Avest  of  the  central 
part  of  the  State,  is  interspersed  by  many  valleys,  large  and 
small,  and  by  large  open  parks  and  by  plateau  Lands. 

The  mountains  and  streams  divide  the  State  into  several 
natural  divisions,  each  nearly  as  large  as  an  ordinary  State,  and 
each,  very  different  from  the  other.  Those  different  divisions 
have  a  wide  diversity  of  soil  and  climate. 

At  the  last  census  in  1910,  the  population  of  Colorado  was 
799,024,  showing  an  increase  of  48%  over  the  preceeding  ten 
years,  as  against  a  general  increase  of  21%  for  the  entire  United 
States. 

Colorado  is  a  rapidly  growing  State.  It  has  thirty-six  prin- 
cipal cities.  Denver,  the  largest,  has  a  population  of  250,000; 
Pueblo,  the  second,  has  a  population  of  50,000;  Colorado  Springs, 
30,000.  Trinidad  is  the  only  other  city  which  the  last  census 
gave  a  population  of  10,000,  Several  of  the  cities  have  a  popula- 
tion of  5,000  to  10,000;  and  thirteen  have  a  population  of  from 
2,500  to  5,000,  and  twelve  have  less  than  2,500.  The  aggregate 
population  of  the  thirty-six  cities  was  over  400,000  or  51%  of 
the  total  population  of  the  State. 

These  figures  have  a  significance  that  should  not  be  over- 
looked by  those  contemplating  moving  into  this  State.  Colorado 
is  peculiar  amongst  the  states.  It  is  one  of  the  most  attractive 
states  to  live  in,  owing  to  its  natural  scenery,  elevation  and 
climate.  It  is  a  mining  State.  A  considerable  portion  of  its 
population  work  in  the  mines  and  consequently  only  a  compara- 
tively small  percentage  of  the  population  live  on  farms. 

Of  all  the  lands  in  this  State  suitable  for  farming  only  one- 
fifth  are  under  cultivation  at  the  present  time.  Colorado  has 
been  very  widely  advertised  for  its  scenic  attractions.  Every 
one  is  familiar  with  the  pictures  of  Pikes  peak  and  our  other 
sky-piercing  mountains.        Very   few   people  living  outside  of 


OF  Colorado  Described 


the  State  realize  that  the  mountain  ranges  cross  the  State  north 
and  south  and  only  cover  about  one-fourth  of  the  total  area. 
The  rest  is  made  up  principally  of  plains  with  mountain  valleys 
and  mountain  parks. 

The  value  of  farm  lands  in  Colorado  is  far  below  what  it 
should  be.  This  is  easily  accounted  for  from  the  fact  that  the 
available  farm  lands  exceed  the  supply  of  farmers  in  the  State 
five  to  one.  People  are  waking  up  to  this  fact,  too.  They  are 
finding  out  that  ten  acres  in  Colorado  can  be  purchased  for  the 
price  of  one  acre  in  Illinois,  Iowa  and  the  Eastern  States.  They 
are  also  finding  that  there  is  not  so  much  difference  between 
what  can  be  produced  on  an  acrt.  of  Colorado  land  and  on  an 
acre  in  the  Mississippi  valley. 

The  easiest  money  a  farmer  can  make  is  what  he  can  make 
out  of  the  increase  in  the  value  of  his  land.  Every  $10.00  per 
acre  increase  on  820  acres  amounts  to  $3,200.  Colorado's  cheap- 
est lands  today  will  rapidly  increase  in  value  as  they  are  cul- 
tivated and  become  more  productive. 

The  United  States  and  Colorado  are  working  together  to 
encourage  the  farmers  of  this  State.  Through  the  State  Agri- 
cultural college,  located  at  Fort  Collins,  and  the  U.  S.  Gov- 
ernment experiment  stations,  located  in  numerous  parts  of  the 
State,  they  have  been  carrying  on  scientific  experiments  to  prove 
what  crops  are  best  adapted  to  our  soil  and  climate ;  and  to  bring 
in  from  foreign  lands  the  seeds,  grasses,  grains  and  forage  crops 
that  are  successfully  cultivated  under  similar  conditions  in  other 
countries.    This  work  has  been  very  successful. 


Bird's-eye  View  of  Colorado,  Looking  North  and  Shoii 


If  w  the  State  is  Divided  by  Rang-es  of  Mountains 


SUCCESSFUL  SETTLERS. 

FIVE  DAYS'  TRIP  BY  AUTOMOBILE  AMONG  UNIRRIGATED  FARMS  OF 

EASTERN  COLORADO— AN  EYE-OPENER  TO  DENVER 

BUSINESS  MEN. 

A  trip  made  in  November  by  ten  prominent  Colorado  men, 
as  a  joint  committee  from  the  Denver  commercial  organizations, 
developed  some  surprising  facts  about  farming  without  irriga- 
tion in  this  State.  At  the  start  only  a  few  of  this  committee  knew 
much  about  the  subject,  but  when  they  returned,  after  actually 
traveling  475  miles,  there  was  not  a  member  of  the  committee 
who  was  not  enthusiastic  over  the  opportunities  for  settlers.  In 
their  trip  they  circled  an  area  of  nearly  10,000  square  miles. 
They  were  not  led  to  a  few  isolated  examples  where  success  was 
achieved  on  account  of  local  conditions;  on  the  contrary,  they 
visited  hundreds  of  farms  along  their  route  and  personally  in- 
terviewed the  settlers.  We  cannot  do  better  than  quote  a  few 
brief  extracts  from  the  official  report  of  this  committee. 

REPORT  OF  INVESTIGATING  COMMITTEE. 

After  carefully  considering  the  evidence  secured  on  this 
trip  the  committee  has  unanimously  agreed  upon  the  following 
conclusions  : 

Profitable  agriculture  without  irrigation  and  by  utilizing 
the  principles  of  scientific  moisture  conservation  is  being  most 
successfully  conducted  in  Eastern  Colorado. 

While  only  about  6  per  cent  of  the  available  lands  are  now 
included  in  farms  in  this  section,  and  only  about  2  per  cent  of 
that  amount  is  under  cultivation,  the  farms  are  scattered  over 
such  a  wide  area  that  it  is  practically  representative  of  what  is 
possible  by  the  same  methods  over  all  of  it. 

That  the  requisites  to  success  are,  first  the  use  of  moisture 
conservation  methods;  second,  basing  operations  upon  livestock, 
and,  third,  the  construction  of  silos. 

Farmers  who  have  been  in  the  country  long  enough  to  prove 
up  on  their  lands  are  successfully  financing  themselves  from  their 
profits. 

Wheat  is  extensively  raised  as  a  "good  money"  crop,  but  a 
diversity  of  crops  is  most  profitable.  Mexican  beans,  corn  and 
forage  crops  are  being  extensively  raised  and  fed  largely  to  hogs. 

Vegetables  are  easily  grown  and  all  farms  are  well  supplied. 

Privately  owned  and  improved  farm  lands  cannot  be  bought 
for  less  than  $20  per  acre  and  are  held  at  $25  to  $30  per  acre. 
The  strongest  demand  for  land  is  from  farmers  who  live  here 
and  who  are  buying  additional  lands  with  their  earnings. 


Free  Homestead  Lands  of  Colorado  Described 11 

While  soil  conditions  vary,  there  are  comparatively  few 
localities  where  farming  cannot  be  successfully  carried  on.  It 
only  being  necessary  to  adapt  the  crops  to  the  soil.  There  is  no 
scarcity  of  domestic  water  ot  good  quality  at  any  point,  wells  and 
windmills  being  used. 

SETTLERS  ARE  GROWING  WEALTHY. 

One  of  the  most  surprising  parts  of  the  report  of  this  com- 
mittee, was  that  which  dealt  with  the  individual  settlers.  Scores 
of  these  men  told  their  stories.  Many  of  them  had  landed  here 
with  noting  but  debts,  yet  read  what  the  committee  says  about 
them  now.  Every  man  of  them  has  made  his  money  on  these  un- 
irrigated  plains  of  Colorado  and  he  has  something  to  show  for 
it.  They  have  their  farms,  their  improvements  and  their  live- 
stock.    Here  are  a  few  instances: 

Harry  Swain  has  been  in  the  State  only  six  years.  Had 
just  enough  money  to  get  there.  Worked  out  by  the  day  until 
he  was  able  to  buy  some  cows,  hogs  and  chickens.  He  is  now 
worth  $5,000. 

O.  W.  Alexander  started  out  very  small.  He  now  owns  320 
acres  with  good  improvements,  well  worth  $5,000,  the  results  of 
five  years  of  work. 

George  CornfiefF  spent  eight  years  in  accumulating  property 
worth  $11,000.  He  got  his  start  with  a  few  cows,  hogs  and 
chickens. 

John  Roseitter  has  made  $8,000  in  seven  years. 

Jack  Sissler  came  here  broke  five  years  ago.  He  now  owns 
320  acres  of  land  worth  $5,000. 

Charles  W.  Brown  in  nine  years  has  secured  400  acres  of 
land  worth  $10,000. 

Mr.  Edlin  hasn't  had  a  crop  failure  in  eight  years.  He 
landed  with  only  a  $15  watch;  now  owns  640  acres  of  land  twen- 
ty head  of  cattle,  six  head  of  horses,  $1,000  worth  of  improve- 
ments and  is  worth  $10,000  clear  of  debt. 

Herbert  Calkins  raised  sixty  bushels  of  oats  to  the  acre; 
his  wheat  averaged  thirty-seven  bushels.  He  came  to  this  coun- 
try with  nothing  and  after  eight  years  is  worth  $10,000. 

The  committee  states  that  these  farmers  are  almost  uni- 
versally successful.  The  unsuccessful  farmers  of  a  few  years  ago 
are  gone.  The  secret  of  this  success  is  not  that  conditions  have 
changed;  not  that  the  soil  is  any  different;  nor  the  rainfall  any 
greater;  but  that  scientific  investigation  has  proved  how  to  cul- 
tivate the  land  to  get  the  best  results  from  the  growth  of  crops  and 
how  to  feed  the  products  to  stock,  thereby  realizing  a  greater 
amount  of  retni-ns  from  it. 


WHY  COLORADO   IS  A  GOOD   PLACE  TO   LIVE. 

The  settlers  who  come  to  Colorado  today  are  coming  under 
different  conditions  from  those  of  fifteen  or  twenty  3^ears  ago. 
The  way  has  been  paved  for  them.  There  is  a  clear  trail  blazed 
to  success,  if  they  will  intelligently  follow  the  methods  already 
])roven. 

Colorado  has  over  300  sun-shiny  days  each  year.  Those 
who  lived  in  damp,  foggy  countries  can  ai)preciate  the  desirabil- 
ity of  this.  Un(juestionably  it  is  one  of  our  greatest  assets  and 
combined  Avith  clear,  bracing  atm()s})here,  gives  a  vim  and  en- 
thusiasm to  our  citizens  that  accounts  for  their  physical  and  men- 
tal activities.  It  is  rare  indeed  to  find  anyone  with  whom  the 
climate  of  Colorado  does  not  agree.  Many  who  come  to  this 
State,  suffering  from  diseases  in  their  incipiency,  become  well 
and  strong. 

Colorado's  winters  are  usually  dry.  They  start  in  with  dry, 
pleasant  fall  days,  without  serious  cold  weather  before  Nov-em- 
l)er.  December  and  January  are  the  only  months  in  which  severe 
weather  occurs,  and  would  not  be  called  severe  in  climates  further 
north.  Zei"()  weather  sehlom  lasts  more  than  three  days  or  a 
week  at  a  time  and  there  are  about  three  such  spells  each  winter. 
Snow  seldom  lays  on  the  ground  for  more  than  a  fcAV  days  and 
at  the  longest  a  c()ui)le  of  weeks.  'J'he  clear,  bright  Colorado 
sunshine,  even  in  winter,  ({uickly  melts  it  away.  By  the  middle 
of  February  the  winter  is  bi'oken.  Spring  is  a  succession  of 
bright,  clear  days,  interspersed  with  rains  and  Avet  snoAvs.  In 
the  mountainous  sections  most  of  the  annual  ])recipitation  comes 
in  the  form  of  heavy  snows;  in  the  plains  section,  the  bulk  of  the 
precipitation  comes  in  the  form  of  rain  from  April  to  July,  or 
just  Avhen  needed  by  the  farmer.  By  harvest  time  the  rains  are 
oA'er.  The  Colorado  farmer  neAer  Avorries  from  fear  of  rain 
spoiling  his  grain  or  crops.  Pie  knoAvs  that  if  it  does  rain,  the 
bright  sunshine  Avill  quickly  dry  it  Avithout  damage.  You  ncATr 
see  him  get  up  from  the  dining  table  during  a  meal  and  look  out 
at  the  Aveather.    He  does  not  need  to  Avorrv. 


FEWER  FARMS  MORTGAGED. 

In  the  report  of  census  of  1910  of  the  United  States,  under 
the  subject  of  farm  mortgages,  Ave  find  that  out  of  all  the  farms 
in  the  United  States,  33%  are  mortgaged. 

In  Iowa  51%  are  mortgaged;  in  Xebraska,  45%;  Kansas, 
41%;  yet  in  Colorado  only  20%  are  mortgaged. 


Free  Homestead  Lands  of  Colorado  Described 13 

What  more  convincing  argument  could  be  brought  forth  in 
favor  of  the  success  and  the  possibilities  for  those  dwelling  on 
Colorado's  farms? 


THESE  FARMERS  NEVER  MISS  A  PAYMENT  ON  THEIR  LANDS. 

The  records  of  the  State  land  office  show  that  the  settlers  in 
Eastern  Colorado  who  have  bought  State  lands  on  the  yearly 
payment  plan,  almost  without  exception,  meet  their  payments 
promptly.  What  could  be  a  better  evidence  of  their  prosperity 
than  this? 

FARMING. 

The  products  of  Colorado  farms  are  famous  for  quality 
over  the  entire  United  States.  What  other  section  is  there  that 
produces  so  many  things,  the  local  names  for  which  have  become 
by- words  for  quality?  Among  these  we  can  mention  Rocky 
Ford  cantaloupes,  Colorado  celery,  Fort  Collins'  lambs,  Greeley 
potatoes,  Grand  Yalley  apples  and  Palisade  peaches. 

Nearly  all  vegetables  grow  in  abundance.  The  rich  soil  and 
the  abundance  of  sunshine  produce  a  quality  that  cannot  be  sur- 
passed. Grains  and  fodder  crops  do  well.  Although  at  high 
elevation,-  seeds  must  be  selected  from  varieties  that  mature  early. 
Up  to  an  elevation  of  6,000  feet  corn  does  very  well. 

On  the  unirrigated  land  scientific  methods  of  deep  tillage 
and  moisture  conservation  have  turned  millions  of  acres  of  pas- 
turage lands  into  productive  farms. 

The  secret  of  the  farmer's  success  on  the  unirrigated  lands  is 
stock  raising;  feeding  his  grains  and  forage  crops  to  the  cattle 
and  marketing  these  in  the  form  of  beef,  pork,  cream,  butter  and 
cheese. 

This  is  not  a  country  of  large  wheat  farms.  Wheat  does 
very  well  on  the  irrigated  lands,  and  also  does  well  on  the  unirri- 
gated lands  under  usual  conditions.  Wheat  requires  more  mois- 
ture than  many  other  crops.  Very  few  farmers  make  a  specialty 
of  wheat  in  Colorado,  as  they  find  that  diversified  farming  and 
stock  raising  is  more  profitable. 

IRRIGATION. 

Colorado  was  one  of  the  first  states  in  which  irrigation  was 
practiced.  The  large  flowing  streams  and  the  very  broad,  low 
valleys  adapted  themselves  readily  to  irrigation.  At  present 
there  is  about  3,000,000  acres  of  land  under  ditches  in  this  State. 


14 Free  Homestead  Lands 

A  great  effort  has  been  made  to  put  all  of  the  large  tracts  of 
land  under  ditches,  especially  those  that  could  be  brought  under 
irrigation  at  an  expense  of  less  than  $30  per  acre  for  water.  The 
large  areas  that  remain  now,  which  could  be  irrigated  could 
only  be  brought  under  irrigation  at  a  very  heavy  expense. 
There  are,  however,  innumerable  opportunities  for  putting  water 
on  small  tracts. 

UNIRRIGATED   FARMING. 

It  is  on  the  lands  in  this  State  that  can  be  cultivated  without 
irrigation  that  there  are  the  greaest  opportunities  for  farmers. 
Only  within  a  very  few  years  have  settlers  found  out  what  crops 
to  plant  and  how  to  cultivate  them  in  order  to  make  a  success  of 
farming  on  semi-arid  lands  without  irrigation.  The  value  of  this 
semi-arid  land  is  not  appreciated  at  the  present  time,  and  much 
of  it  can  be  bought  at  a  price  below  what  it  is  actually  worth  in 
proportion  to  the  crops  that  can  be  raised.  There  are  still  large 
areas  of  this  class  of  land  open  for  homestead  entry. 

Farming  on  such  lands  is  very  frequently  referred  to  as 
"dry  farming,"  an  expression  which  is  a  misnomer  and  objected 
to  by  many.  It  has,  however,  come  to  be  a  common  expression, 
and  one  for  which  there  seems  to  be  no  other  word  or  words  better 
explaining  the  meaning  implied. 

Lands  that  must  be  dry  farmed  are  not  necessarily  lands 
which  do  not  have  sufficient  rainfall  to  produce  crops;  but  lands 
which,  owing  to  the  peculiar  surface  or  climatical  conditions,  fail 
to  retain  and  utilize  this  rainfall.  The  air  in  Colorado,  for  ex- 
ample, is  very  dry.  It  is  all  the  time  absorbing  moisture  from 
the  ground.  A  few  hours  of  bright,  warm  sunshine  in  this  dry 
climate,  readily  evaporates  a  light  rainfall  unless  it  penetrates 
well  into  the  surface. 

Then  many  of  the  soils  contain  fine  silt  and  as  soon  as  they 
become  wet  the  silt  closes  the  pores  of  the  soil  and  makes  it  very 
near  waterproof.  Instead  of  the  moisture  being  absorbed,  it  runs 
off  the  surface. 

Dry  farming  is  merely  a  process  of  conserving  the  natural 
rainfall.  Oftentimes  it  begins  with  fall  plowing  and  harrowing 
to  store  the  water  from  the  winter  snows.  The  farmers  who  are 
practicing  dry  farming  in  this  State  under  the  supervision  of  the 
county  agriculturist,  and  taking  advantage  of  the  research  work 
of  the  State  Agricultural  college  and  the  United  States  bureau 
of  agriculture's  experiment  stations  scattered  through  the  State, 
are  meeting  with  good  success. 

The  farmers  on  unirrigated  lands  in  Colorado  are  making 
as  much  money  as  those  in  the  irrigated  districts.     In  many 


or  Colorado  Described 15 

localities  their  crops  are  nearly  or  quite  as  lar^^e,  and  their  land 
is  cultivated  at  less  expense. 

CROP  YIELDS   IN   COLORADO. 

Colorado  is  favored  with  a  very  large  yield  per  acre,  both 
in  fields  and  orchards.  The  yield  is  from  twenty-five  to  thirty 
per  cent  higher  than  the  average  for  the  entire  United  States. 
The  following  brief  table  gives  an  average  crop  yield  for  the 
State  on  a  few  of  the  principal  products,  as  compared  with  the 
average  for  the  United  States : 

Colorado  U.  S. 

Wheat,  bushels 21.6  14.7 

Oats,  bushels 37.0  30.6 

Barley,  bushels 33.1  24.3 

Hay,  tons 2.06  1.34 

Beets,  tons 13.  10.6 

SOIL. 

The  soil  in  Colorado  is  unusually  fertile.  It  has  been  formed 
by  the  decomposition  of  the  mountains  through  countless  ages, 
and  gradually  washed  down  into  the  valleys  and  plains.  The 
soil  is  much  deeper  than  that  founJ  in  most  other  parts  of  the 
United  States,  varying  from  seldom  less  than  two  feet  to  often 
as  deep  as  from  twenty  to  one  hundred  feet.  The  farmer  need 
have  no  fear  of  plowing  too  deep. 

The  occurrence  of  cactus,  sagebrush  and  greasewood  on  raw 
land  is  usually  considered  as  an  indication  of  high  class  soil. 
These  plants  do  not  flourish  in  poor  soil.  The  absence  of  vegeta- 
tion does  not  necessarily  prove  that  the  soil  is  not  good,  as  some 
of  the  most  valuable  farm  lands  in  the  State  were  originally 
practically  destitute  of  vegetation  when  first  cultivated. 

No  fertilizer  is  required  in  Colorado.  Those  Avho  are  accus- 
tomed to  paying  several  dollars  per  acre  for  fertilizing,  may 
doubt  this,  yet  it  is  a  fact  that  lands  have  been  successfully  culti- 
vated in  this  State  for  the  past  twenty-five  years  without  fertil- 
izing. This  is  accounted  for  by  the  natural  fertility  and  great 
depth  of  the  soil. 

One  of  the  decided  advantages  for  the  settler  on  the  plains 
and  in  the  larger  valleys  in  the  State,  is  that  most  of  the  raw 
land  is  ready  for  the  plow.  There  are  seldom  nigger  heads  or 
boulders  to  clear  off  the  field — no  brush  to  grub  or  stumps  to 
pull — just  good  prairie  sod  to  plow,  and  the  field  is  ready  to 
raise  a  crop.  This  enables  the  settler  to  get  a  crop  the  first  year 
on  his  land.  In  the  western  portion  of  the  State,  there  is  often 
a  heavy  growth  of  sage  brush  and  greasewood,  shrubs  growing 
from  twelve  inches  to  three  feet  high.  These  can  be  cleaned 
with  a  drag  and  burned.     Timber  occurs  quite  generally  on  the 


16  Fkee  Homestead  Lands 

side  of  the  hills,  but  seldom  on  the  level  or  gently  rolling  land. 

The  surface  of  a  considerable  area  of  the  plains  is  sand}', 
often  being  almost  pure  sand,  covered  with  bunch  grass.  It  has 
been  found  that  very  frecpiently  this  sand  is  merely  a  coating 
on  the  surface  of  from  two  indies  to  a  foot  in  depth,  having 
been  deposited  l)y  tlie  Avinds  on  top  of  a  good  loam,  and,  in  such 
instances,  deep  ])lowing  will  change  this  sandy  prairie  into  tirst- 
class  farming  land.  A  soil  that  is  excessively  sandy  can  fre- 
quently be  cultivated  very  successfully,  as  the  sandy  soils  con- 
serve moisture. 

There  is  very  little  soil  in  Colorado  that  is  not  good.  It  is 
generally  lack  of  soil  tliat  makes  the  l)arren  places.  Alkali 
occurs  very  seldom,  and  is  usually  only  a  surface  deposit.  Alka- 
line lands  frequently  raise  good  crops  of  alfalfa. 

LAND    FOR    THE    SPECIALIST. 

Owing  to  the  manner  in  which  Colorado  is  naturally  divided 
by  ranges  of  mountains,  there  is  a  great  vai'iety  of  soils.  The 
climate,  also,  is  modified  by  many  local  conditions,  thus  offering 
splendid  ojiportunities  for  the  s[)ecialist  to  choose  the  kind  of 
climate  and  locality  best  suited  for.  what  he  desires  to  raise. 
Soil  conditions  can  be  found  suitable  for  any  croi)S  that  will 
grow  at  this  latitude  and  climate.  Already  this  fact  has  Wen 
taken  advantage  of.  The  toAvn  of  Loveland  ships  n)()re  red  rasi)- 
berries  than  any  other  shi])|)ini2:  ])oint  in  the  United  States.  At 
Longmont  are  pea  canning  factories  ])roducing  a  (juality  of 
canned  i)eas  superior  to  those  canned  anywhere  else,  and  ra})idly 
supplanting  all  imported  goods  in  this  line.  Greeley  and  Car- 
bondale  potatoes  are  Avell  knoAvn  almost  everywhere,  as  ai'e  the 
cantaloupes  of  the  Arkansas  valley.  In  Ivoutt  county  are  ])r()- 
duced  strawberries  of  especially  large  size  and  fine  quality:  they 
come  on  the  market  after  all  the  other  strawbei'iies  are  ofl',  and 
connnand  better  j^rices  for  that  reason.  The  peaches  and  ])eai's 
in  the  Grand  valley,  and  the  apples  of  Canon  (^ity.  are  well 
knoAvn  for  their  quality. 

On  the  side  hills  in  the  mountains,  in  the  Aalleys.  and  in 
many  other  unexpected  places,  there  are  o])portunities  Avaiting 
for  the  specialist  Avho  Avill  take  the  trouble  to  look  for  tliem  and 
properly  study  the  local  conditions. 

CANNING  INDUSTRY. 

While  the  farmers  and  stockmen  have  a  readv  market  for 
CA^erything  they  produce,  this  is  not  true  of  those  Avho  raise  fruit 
and  berries.  Colorado's  (n-chards  are  Aery  productive,  and  fruit 
growers  have  made  a  good  dejil  of  money  in  this  State,  especially 
so  AAdien  they  are  fortunate  enough  to  huxe  large  crops  Avhen  other 


OF    COLOKADO    DeS(  Hll'.EI) 17 

sections  of  the  country  have  faihires.  Tlie  fruit  industry  at  the 
present  time  is  badly  in  need  of  h^cal  canning  factories  that  will 
use  the  surplus  production.  Not  only  in  the  canning  of  fruits, 
but  also  in  the  canning  of  tomatoes,  vegetables  and  berries,  and 
in  the  drying  of  fruits,  is  there  an  excellent  held.  Colonies  can 
establish  co-operative  canning  plants  to  good  advantage.  This 
State  is  a  large  importer  of  canned  goods  from  other  states,  for 
our  own  consumption.  Cohn-ado  people  are  generally  loyal  to 
Colorado's  productions,  and  will  oncom-nge  those  who  produce 
and  market  home-grown  goods. 

POULTRY. 

Colorado's  dry  climate  is  especially  suitable  for  poultry 
raising.  Fowds  are  free  from  the  diseases  so  fatal  in  other  sec- 
tions. The  open  winters  permit  their  being  outdoors  nearly 
every  day  in  the  air  and  for  this  reason  giving  larger  returns  in 
the  form  of  eggs  than  can  be  obtained  in  other  climates. 

The  silo  is  destined  to  make  radical  changes  in  the  poultry 
industry.  Poultry  is  very  fond  of  ensilage  or  preserved  fodder 
from  the  silo  and  it  provides  them  with  fresh  green  food  all 
winter  at  a  nominal  cost  compared  with  grain  feeding. 

HOGS.. 

Hog  raising  in  Colorado  is  a  very  profitable  line  of  farming. 
Hogs  can  be  raised  in  this  State,  owing  to  the  almost  perfect 
conditions,  at  a  less  cost  per  pound  than  in  almost  any  other 
hog  raising  State. 

The  local  demand  is  for  100,000  hogs  each  month,  and  there 
is  never  enough  to  supply  it. 

Hog  diseases,  especially  cholera,  are  practically  unknown 
here  on  account  of  the  dry  climate,  cool  nights  and  short  winters. 

Field  peas  are  raised  in  this  State  on  which  to  feed  hogs. 
They  are  sown,  harrowed  and  allowed  to  grow  like  grain  crops. 
The  hogs  then  are  turned  into  the  field  where  they  eat  both  the 
vines  and  the  peas.  They  relish  this  feed  and  fatten  quickly 
upon  it,  and  the  meat  has  an  excellency  of  flavor  that  brings  a 
fancy  price  and  cannot  be  equaled  by  any  other  method  of 
feeding. 

CATTLE  AND  SHEEP. 

This  whole  State  not  Ions:  ago  Avas  one  great  range,  taken 
advantage  of  by  sheep  and  livestock  interests.  All  of  this  is 
changing  now.  In  the  moi-e  thickly  settled  districts  it  is  neces- 
sary for  settlers  to  confine  their  stock  to  such  as  they  can  feed 
on  their  own  land.  Those  who  settle  in  the  mountainous  districts 
have  better  oj^j^ortunities  for  going  into  the  stock  business  on  ;'. 


18 Fkee  Homestead  Lands 

larger  scale,  as  there  is  a  large  percentage  of  mountain  area  that 
will  never  be  suitable  for  cultivation  and  will  always  be  open 
stock  range.  This  is  especially  true  of  the  national  forests,  where 
stock  can  be  grazed  under  government  supervision  at  a  nominal 
grazing  fee. 

MINING. 

Colorado  first  attracted  attention  many  years  ago  by  the  dis- 
covery of  gold  in  our  mountains.  Not  only  do  the  mountains  of 
Colorado  contain  gold,  but  they  contain  silver,  lead,  copper,  tung- 
sten, uranium,  vanadium,  radium  and  many  other  precious  and 
semi-precious  metals. 

Colorado  is  the  location  of  many  mines  that  have  produced 
individually  millions  of  dollars.  There  are  still  hundreds  of 
thousands  of  acres  of  mining  land  unclaimed  and  almost  unpros- 
pected  in  the  mountains.  If,  as  the  old  proverb  says,  "There 
are  as  good  fish  in  the  sea  as  ever  were  caught,"  then  there  are 
still  golden  rewards  for  the  prospectors  who  will  find  new  gold 
and  silver  mines  here. 

The  mining  industry  is  a  very  large  enterprise,  employing 
many  thousands  of  Avorkmen,  who  are  the  consumers  of  what  the 
farmers  produce. 

Coal  mining  is  an  important  industry.  There  is  a  vast  area 
underlaid  with  large  coal  veins  already  being  mined  on  such  a 
large  scale  that  nearly  the  entire  Missouri  valley  is  supplied  with 
coal  from  Colorado's  mines. 

Colorado  has  two  producing  oil  fields  with  indications  that 
we  have  more  that  will  be  developed. 

The  mining  industry  is  a  permanent,  profitable  industry 
that  will  grow  larger  and  more  important  every  year. 

MANUFACTURING. 

Manufacturing  in  Colorado  is  still  in  its  infancy.  Colorado 
has  all  the  natural  resources  necessary  to  build  up  an  important 
manufacturing  center.  An  abundance  of  cheap  power  can  be  de- 
veloped from  the  mountain  streams  of  this  State. 

The  manufacturing  industry  at  present  amounts  to  $200,- 
000,000  per  year.    It  is  steadily  growing. 

SCENIC  ATTRACTIONS. 

Positively  no  article  on  this  State  would  be  complete  with- 
out refering  to  the  scenic  attractions.  Colorado  is  spoken  of  as 
the  Switzerland  of  America,  yet  Switzerland,  if  moved  bodily 
into  the  center  of  Colorado's  mountains  would  be  lost  sight  of, 
as  we  have  ten  times  the  mountainous  area  of  Switzerland.  Our 
mountain  peaks  are  higher.  We  have  deeper  chasms  and  gulches. 
In  this  State  the  Rocky  mountains  reach  their  greatest  height. 

\ 


OF    COLOKADO    Pp^SCIUBED 11) 

Colorado  has  a  larger  area  above  an  elevation  of  10,000  feet 
than  all  of  the  other  portions  of  the  United  States  combined. 

In  these  mountain  districts  are  our  summer  playgrounds. 
They  will  be  the  joy  of  future  generations,  national  camping 
grounds  and  fishing  districts.  Already  the  mountains  are 
traversed  by  fine  graded  roads.  Colorado  spends  a  million  dollars 
each  year  on  good  roads.  Her  scenic  attractions  are  one  of  her 
valuable  assets,  not  only  because  they  attract  tourists,  but  because 
of  the  pleasure  they  give  to  the  citizens  of  this  State. 

CLIMATE. 

Colorado  has  a  temperate  climate.  Look  on  the  map.  It 
is  at  just  the  right  point  of  latitude  north  of  the  equator  for  an 
equable,  temperate  climate.  Summer  and  winter  are  evenly  di- 
vided. Neither  extreme  heat  or  extreme  cold  will  be  experienced 
here.  Colorado  is  a  State  with  wonderful  developments  and  pos- 
sibilities ahead  of  it.  It  has  every  advantage  of  climate,  fertility 
of  the  soil,  scenery,  healthfulness  and  natural  resources,  that  can 
be  claimed  by  any  of  the  states.  Colorado  is  a  good  place  to 
live  in. 

SCHOOLS   AND    CHURCHES. 

Colorado  is  well  equipped  with  schools  in  the  cities,  towns 
and  rural  communities.  Our  school  laws  are  very  broad,  and 
no  child  in  the  State  need  go  without  an  education. 

There  are  numerous  institutions  for  higher  education,  among 
which  the  most  prominent  are : 

Colorado  College,  at  Colorado  Springs. 

Colorado  State  University,  at  Boulder 

Denver  University,  at  Denver. 

Colorado  State  Agricultural  College,  at  Fort  Collins. 

Colorado  State  School  of  Mines,  at  Golden. 
Colorado  is  well  supplied  with  churches,  and  in  the  farming 
communities  where  there  are  no  church  buildings,  services  are 
commonly  held  in  the  school  houses. 

NATIONAL  FORESTS. 
A  large  part  of  the  mountainous  area  of  Colorado  is  com- 
prised in  the  13,402,481  acres  which  have  been  withdrawn  from 
entry  and  included  in  a  system  of  National  Forests,  being  admin- 
istered by  the  United  States  forestry  service. 

The  original  idea  in  making  these  withdrawals  was  to  con- 
serve and  preserve  the  natural  timber  which  had  been  wantonly 
wasted  heretofore  and  to  plant  young  trees  around  the  head- 
Avat^rs  of  the  streams  and  thus  protect  the  source  of  our  Avaters 
that  are  used  for  irrigation  purposes. 

A  considerable  area  within  the  forests  are  better  suited  for 
agricultural  purposes  than  for  forestry  purposes.     Congress  has 


20 Fkee  Ho:mestj:ai)  La^ds  of  Colok'adq  pHscinivKi) 

made  provisions  for  classifying  these  lands  and  making  them 
available  to  settlers.  At  the  present  time,  the  service  is  classify- 
ing them  and  designating  those  suitable  for  homesteaders. 

As  the  areas  are  not  large  and  the  tracts  are  more  or  less 
scattered,  no  attempt  has  been  made  to  describe  them  in  this 
book.  Ai)i)lication  should  be  made  to  the  head  ranger  of  each 
forest  for  the  location  of  such  tracts. 

Settlers  on  or  near  the  national  forests  can  secure,  free  of 
charge,  such  timber  and  lumber  as  tliey  need  for  the  construction 
of  buildings  and  fences. 

Settlers  may  also  graze  cattle  and  sheep  upon  the  national 
forests  by  paying  a  very  nominal  tax  per  head  per  annum  for 
the  privilege;  and  they  are  allowed  to  graze  a  certain  number  of 
head  free. 

Comj^lete  information  about  the  regulations  and  the  admin- 
isti-ation  of  the  United  States  forests  can  be  secured  free  of 
charge  by  writing  the  depai'lment  of  forestry  at  Washington,  D. 
C.  and  recpiesting  a  copy  of  the  ''Use  Book." 


LAND   DISTRICTS  OF  COLORADO. 

The  United  States  land  office  has  divided  Colorado  into  ten 
land  districts.  Each  district  being  named  after  the  town  in 
which  the  land  office  is  located.  The  following  list  gives  a  gen- 
eral description  of  the  characteristics  of  each  land  district.  On 
the  accompanying  map  will  be  found  the  total  amount  of  vacant 
land  in  each  district,  and  that  portion  of  each  county  included  in 
the  districts. 

A  series  of  sectionalized  maps  of  the  various  land  districts 
is  published  by  The  Clason  Map  Company,  showing  the  exact 
area  and  location  of  the  vacant  lands.  Price,  $1.00  for  each 
district. 

DEL  NORTE  LAND  DISTRICT. 

United  States  Land  Office  Located  at  Del  Norte. 

This  district  is  located  in  the  south-central  portion  of 
Colorado,  and  extends  to  the  southern  boundary  of  the  State.  It 
is  bounded  on  the  west  by  the  Great  Continental  divide,  and  on 
the  east  by  the  Sangre  de  Cristo  range  of  mountains.  In  the 
center  of  the  district  is  located  the  great  San  Luis  valley,  flat 
and  level,  surrounded  on  all  sides  by  rolling  foothills,  bench 
lands,  and  by  high  mountain  ranges  and  peaks. 

The  valley  proper  is  well  settled  and  largely  under  irriga- 
tion. Outside  of  the  valley  there  is  very  little  settlement.  The 
bench  lands  and  foothill  lands  have  been  overlooked  almost  en- 
tirely, although  there  is  good  soil  and  in  many  places  there  is 
water  available  for  irrigating  small  areas  if  caught  in  storage 
reservoirs. 

Through  the  mountains  there  are  also  fine  little  valleys  and 
parks  that  would  make  attractive  homes.  The  mountains  are 
mostly  timbered  and  drained  by  clear  trout  streams,  a  delight  to 
the  fisherman. 

The  San  Luis  valley  proper  lies  at  an  elevation  of  about 
(S,000  feet.  This  is  considered  quite  high  for  farming,  yet  so 
well  ])r()tected  is  this  district  and  so  well  watered  and  naturally 
supplied  with  such  a  fertile  soil,  that  it  is  one  of  the  garden 
spots  of  the  State.  The  production  per  acre  of  potatoes  and 
wheat  in  this  valley  is  record-breaking. 

DENVER  LAND  DISTRICT. 

United  States  Land  Office  Located  at  Denver. 

The  Denver  laud  district  lies  in  the  north-central  portion 
of  the  State.  It  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  the  State  line. 
This  is  a  very  large  district.     The  eastern  half  of  it  lies  in  the 


22 Free  Homestead  Lands 

plains  and  includes  the  famous  Greeley  agricultural  district,  the 
Poudre  valley  of  Larimer  county  and  the  valley  of  the  South 
Platte  river.  The  western  portion  is  broken  by  high  mountain 
ranges,  with  successions  of  large  valleys  and  parks  which  are 
very  fertile  and  attractive  to  the  eye. 

While  this  land  office  includes  Denver,  it  is  just  as  well  to 
state  that  there  are  no  good  agricultural  lands  open  for  settle- 
ment in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  Denver.  There  are  some  vacant 
lands  near  the  city,  but  these  are  rocky  and  worthless. 

In  the  Denver  district,  however,  there  are  large  areas  open, 
suitable  for  homestead  entry;  some  places  where  good  size 
colonies  could  find  plenty  of  adjoining  land. 

This  district  has  good  railroad  facilities  and  plenty  of 
water.    In  the  mountainous  districts  there  is  much  timber. 

DURANGO  LAND  DISTRICT. 
United  States  Land  Office  Located  at  Durango. 

The  Durango  district  lies  on  the  southern  slope  of  the  San 
Juan  mountains.  This  is  a  well  watered  and  very  fertile  dis- 
trict. The  San  Juan  mountains  are  frequently  compared  with 
the  mountains  of  Switzerland,  being  a  very  high,  rugged  range. 
Located  here  are  very  productive  gold  and  silver  mines. 

The  southern  portion  of  the  district  has  extensive  deposits 
of  coal  and  there  is  a  great  deal  of  natural  timber  in  this  section. 

The  agricultural  lands  of  this  district  produce  fruits,  vege- 
tables, grains,  potatoes,  etc. 

This  district  is  a  very  sparsely  settled  section,  offering  many 
good  opportunities  for  homeseekers. 

GLENWOOD  SPRINGS  LAND  DISTRICT. 

United  States  Land  Office  Located  at  Glenwood  Springs. 

The  Glenwood  Springs  district  is  one  of  the  most  sparsely 
settled  districts  in  the  State.  It  is  quite  a  large  district,  being 
one  and  a  half  times  as  large  as  the  kingdom  of  Belgium.  It  is 
a  well  watered  district  and  quite  fertile  and  destined  to  become 
an  important  farming  section. 

There  is  plenty  of  timber  here  and  wild  game.  There  are 
numerous  deposits  of  coal  and  some  gold  and  copper. 

Lack  of  railroad  facilities  has  held  the  development  of  this 
part  of  Colorado  back  for  many  years.  The  construction  of  the 
Denver- Salt  Lake  railroad,  now  completed  as  far  as  Craig,  will 
put  a  transcontinental  railroad  line  right  through  the  heart  of 
the  Glenwood  Springs  district. 

This  is  a  land  of  rolling  hills,  mesas  and  valleys.  The 
soil  is  generally  of  good  qualit3^  This  is,  naturally,  a  good  farm- 
ing section  and  there  is  any  quantity  of  high  class  land  vacant 
and  awaiting  the  settler. 


OF  Colorado  Described 23 

HUGO  LAND  DISTRICT. 
United  States  Land  Office  Located  at  Hugo. 

The  Hugo  district  lies  entirely  in  the  plains  section.  Until 
just  a  few  years  ago  this  district  was  considered  only  a  stock 
raising  country,  but  is  now  the  land  of  the  prosperous  farms 
and  farmers. 

There  is  less  vacant  land  in  the  Hugo  district  than  in  any 
other  district  in  the  State.  Most  of  this  is  located  in  Cheyenne 
county. 

LAMAR  LAND  DISTRICT. 
United  States  Land  Office  Located  at  Lamar. 

The  Lamar  land  district  is  located  in  the  extreme  south- 
eastern corner  of  the  State  of  Colorado  and  is  situated  princi- 
pally in  the  plains.  The  valley  of  the  Arkansas  river  crosses  it 
centrally.  The  southwestern  corner  is  what  is  known  as  the 
Cedar  Hills  country,  a  rather  rolling,  broken  section,  portions  of 
which  are  covered  with  a  heavy  growth  of  scrub  cedars. 

Many  settlers  have  turned  their  attention  to  Baca  county  re- 
cently, where  they  have  found  large  areas  of  high-class  farm 
lands  in  the  artesian  water  belt.  There  is  much  good  vacant 
land  still  left  in  nearly  every  part  of  this  district. 

LEADVILLE  LAND  DISTRICT. 
United  States  Land  Office  Located  at  Leadville. 

The  Leadville  district  lies  high  up  on  the  top  of  the  Con- 
tinental divide.    It  is  crossed  by  a  precipitous  moimtain  range. 

This  is  a  mining  and  stock  raising  district.  It  is  too  high 
in  elevation  for  farming.  There  is  a  narrow  valley  along  the 
Arkansas  river  in  Chaffee  county,  while  in  Park  county  there  is 
a  large  area  of  rolling  park  or  prairie  land  suitable  for  grazing. 
This  IS  a  good  hay  district  and  great  quantities  of  native  hay  are 
raised  by  irrigation. 

MONTROSE  LAND  DISTRICT. 

United  States  Land  Office  Located  at  Montrose. 

The  Montrose  district  has  a  very  large  variety  of  lands  and 
resources. 

The  eastern  boundary  of  the  district  is  the  crest  of  the  Great 
Continental  divide.  In  the  mountains  are  gold  and  silver  mines. 
In  the  foothills,  coal  mines,  and  still  further  down  are  fertile 
irrigated  valleys,  mesas,  prairies  and  bench  lands. 

The  Montrose  land  district  includes  the  famous  Grand 
Valley  fruit  belt,  the  Gunnison  tunnel  irrigation  project  of  the 
United  States  reclamation  service  and  many  small  irrigation 
projects. 


Map  of  Colorado,  Showing  Location  of  the  Ten  Lan 


niMnmMMiIMffbMiTiTilM^BMmaMlMai^^ 


ts  and  the  Amount  of  Vacant  T^and  in  Kach 


26 Free  Homestead  Lands  of  Colorado  Described 

There  are  large  areas  of  unappropriated  lands  in  the  Mont- 
rose district,  much  of  which  is  of  excellent  quality. 

PUEBLO  LAND  DISTRICT. 
United  States  Land  Office  Located  at  Pueblo. 

The  Pueblo  district  extends  from  the  crest  of  the  Sangre 
de  Cristo  range  of  mountains  eastward  150  miles,  and  from  the 
top  of  the  Arkansas  divide  on  the  north,  south  to  the  Colroado 
state  line. 

Nearly  all  of  the  district  lies  on  the  great  plains,  t)ie  west- 
ern portion  being  more  hilly  and  partially  mountainous.  It  in- 
cludes the  fertile  valley  of  the  Arkansas  river  and  also  a  large 
area  of  lands  that  could  be  cultivated  without  irrigation,  but 
which  are  unsettled  and  unused  except  by  the  stockmen. 

The  Pueblo  district  has  good  railroad  facilities  and  a  large 
market  for  everything  it  can  produce.  Included  in  its  area  is 
the  famous  Cripple  Creek  mining  district  and  the  extensive  coal 
mines  of  Southern  Colorado. 

The  city  of  Pueblo  is  the  second  city  in  the  State  and  is 
the  location  of  important  steel  works  and  other  manufacturing 
enterprises. 

The  amount  of  vacant  land  in  this  district  is  simply 
enormous.  Much  of  it  is  close  to  railroads  and  there  is  no  ap- 
parent reason  why  it  should  not  be  desirable. 

STERLING  LAND  DISTRICT. 
United  States  Land  Office  Located  at  Sterling. 

The  Sterling  Land  district  lies  in  the  extreme  northeast- 
ern corner  of  the  State  of  Colorado,  adjoining  Nebraska.  It  lies 
entirely  on  the  great  plains. 

The  district  is  crossed  diagonally  by  the  fertile,  irrigated 
valley  of  the  Platte  river.  The  rest  of  the  district  is  nearlj^  all 
rolling  plains  country,  suitable  for  farming,  and  much  of  it  is 
already  under  cultivation. 

The  railroad  facilities  in  this  district  are  good.  There  is  a 
fair  rainfall  and  very  good  soil.  The  largest  area  of  vacant 
lands  in  the  district  at  the  present  time  are  located  in  Yuma 
county,  where  the  lands  were  withdrawn  from  entry  several 
years  ago,  pending  resurvey.  The  survey  of  these  lands  is  com- 
pleted and  they  will  be  thrown  open  for  entry  during  the  spring 
of  1915. 


MAKING   GOOD    ON    A    HOMESTEAD. 

The  resourcefulness  of  the  average  American  citizen  never 
has  a  better  opportunity  to  show  itself  than  when  he  starts  to 
improve  a  homestead.  It  is  interesting  to  notice  the  didcrenl 
ideas  brought  forth  in  the  way  men  locate  their  houses  and  out- 
buildings in  regard  to  natural  conditions.  One  man  will  build 
his  home  on  the  top  of  the  highest  piece  of  ground  on  his  claim, 
delighting  in  the  view  which  it  gives  him  in  every  direction  and 
defying  the  winds  and  the  storms,  for  which  it  is  a  fine  mark. 
Another  will  choose  a  sheltered  gully  and  build  a  cozy  little  place 
surrounded  with  trees  and  covered  with  vines. 

It  is  a  simple  life,  but  far  from  an  easy  life.  One  who 
has  not  lived  on  a  homestead  cannot  realize  the  things  to  be 
done  or  the  disadvantage  under  which  most  of  them  must  be  ac- 
complished. To  start  out,  the  settler  has  fences  to  build,  a  home 
to  build,  a  barn,  chicken  houses  and  pig  pens,  and  usually  a  well 
to  dig.  All  this,  in  addition  to  the  problem  of  supporting  a 
family. 

Those  who  realize  best  the  problems  a  settler  must  confront, 
advise  that  he  should  have  at  least  three  milch  cows ;  one  or  more 
sows  and  some  chickens  to  start  in  with.  With  this  livestock,  as 
well  as  a  good  team  and  wagon,  he  is  assured  of  a  good  living 
for  his  family  and  the  ability  to  plow  his  land  and  take  care  of 
his  crops.  The  cows  supply  the  necessary  cream  and  milk  for 
the  family  and  also  provide  more  or  less  butter  and  cream  to  be 
sold  or  traded  at  the  store.  Many  a  successful  settler,  however, 
has  made  his  start  without  most  of  these  things.  Oftentimes  his 
principal  asset  is  a  willing  wife  and  a  family  of  hungry  chil- 
dren. Rabbits,  grouse  and  fish  have  helped  out  the  larder  at 
many  critical  times. 

Many  are  the  occupations  utilized  by  settlers  to  finance 
themselves  until  their  farms  begin  to  pay.  There  is  more  or  less 
demand  for  extra  farm  labor  in  all  farming  districts  in  the  State 
and  practically  no  supply  of  transcient  labor.  A  man  at  all  handy 
and  willing  to  help  out  his  neighbors  can  find  work  to  do,  in  dig- 
ging wells,  building  silos,  fences,  tilling,  etc.  Most  of  the  schools 
in  the  new  districts  are  being  taught  by  men  and  women,  who  are 
proving  up  on  their  homesteads,  and  earning  a  living  as  well 
from  the  forty  to  sixty  dollars  per  month  they  receive  for  teach- 
ing during  a  few  months  in  the  year.  The  rural  mail  routes 
often  furnishes  a  profitable  occupation  for  the  homesteader  with- 
out interfering  with  his  residence  and  cultivation  of  the  land. 
The  country  post-office  with  a  little  store  attached,  has  been  the 


28 Fkee  Homestead  Lands 

support  of  more  than  one  who  have  successfully  proved  up  and 
become  prosperous  settlers. 

One  man  took  advantage  of  a  part  of  the  State  most  men 
thought  to  be  of  no  account.  He  located  fifty  miles  from  a  railroad 
in  a  district  occupied  by  stockmen  and  absolutely  without  set- 
tlers. His  friends  all  laughed  at  him  and  said  he  would  starve 
to  death ;  but  he  had  an  idea  and  worked  it.  He  put  his  land  into 
corn  and  sold  all  he  could  raise  to  the  neighboring  stockmen  at 
$1.00  per  bushel  on  the  ear  and  then  it  was  cheaper  than  they 
could  buy  it  in  town  and  haul  it  out. 

It  takes  the  foreigners  to  realize  the  possibilities  of  the  dif- 
ferent districts.  An  Irishman  from  the  north  of  Ireland,  took 
up  a  little  valley  high  up  in  the  mountains  at  an  elevation  of 
7,000  feet.  The  land,  suitable  for  irrigation  and  cultivation,  was 
not  over  100  feet  in  width  by  perhaps  a  quarter  of  a  mile  in 
length.  The  rest  of  the  claim  was  rolling,  hill}^  country,  suitable 
only  for  pasture.  During  the  short  summer  season  he  raised 
rutabagas,  turnips,  carrots,  peas  and  beans.  A  class  of  garden 
truck  that  no  one  else  raised  in  that  district,  except  in  little  kitch- 
en gardens.  This  he  hauled  by  wagon  thirty-five  miles  to  the 
nearest  town  and  had  no  difficulty  in  selling  his  produce  at  good 
prices  in  competition  with  the  imported  vegetables.  He  is  rais- 
ing a  large  family  and  now  has  several  hundred  head  of  cattle 
and  several  thousands  of  acres  of  land. 

STOCK   RAISING   AND   DAIRYING. 

A  careful  reading  of  the  detailed  descriptions  of  the  town- 
ships in  this  book  will  disclose  that  nearly  everywhere  "grazing" 
is  mentioned  as  being  either  fairly  good  or  exceptionally  good. 
Xot  in  one  out  of  ten  districts  will  grazing  be  found  to  be  poor. 
Here  is  one  of  the  natural  resources  of  ninety  per  cent  of  the 
vacant  lands  in  Colorado  that  every  settler  can  utilize. 

The  stock  raising  industry  is  one  that  few  people  outside 
of  the  stockmen  understand  or  realize  the  possibilities  of.  Ten 
acres  of  average  Colorado  land  will  support  one  cow  the  year 
round.  On  a  320-acre  homestead,  the  settler  can  graze  twenty- 
five  head  of  stock,  and  have  sufficient  land  for  a  kitchen  garden 
and  plenty  to  cultivate  in  fodder  crops  for  the  winter  feeding. 

Three  milk  cows  Avill  support  a  family;  one  cow  will  pro- 
vide all  the  milk,  butter  and  cream  that  one  ordinary  family 
re(|uires;  the  butter,  cream  and  cheese  which  the  others  w^ill 
produce  will  buy  the  family's  groceries.  It  is  estimated  that  one 
cow  will  produce  dairy  products  which  can  be  marketed  for  $120 
per  year. 

The  farmer  with  five,  ten  or  twenty  milk  cows,  cannot  only 
make  a  good  living,  but  lie  can  grow  independent  without  any 
other  source  of  income. 


OF    COLQKADO    DeSCKIBEI) 29 

In  addition  to  the  direct  income  from  the  cows  themselves, 
he  has  the  increase  in  the  herd,  which  is  constant  and  rai)id. 
Every  calf  that  is  turned  on  the  pasture  range  Avill  increase  in 
value  from  $1.50  to  $2.00  per  month,  for  four  years,  Avithout  any 
attention,  saAe  a  little  feeding  clnring  the  snow  storms  in  the 
Avinter  time. 

The  dairy  industry  is  receiAang  much  attention  in  this  State, 
for  here,  in  the  tremendous  area  Avell  coA^ered  Avith  nutritive  native 
grasses,  is  the  possibility  of  dcAeloping  a  profitable  industry. 

The  settler  should  take  special  care  in  choosing  his  milk 
stock.  If  he  does  not  knoAv  hoAV  himself,  he  should  go  to  some 
practical  city  dairyman.  A  coav  must  be  a  good  milker  to  make 
money  for  the  city  dairy,  where  it  is  necessary  to  buy  feed.  They 
can  tell  right  aAvay  Avhat  kind  of  stock  to  get  and  Avhat  kind  to 
aA'oid.  If  it  is  not  practical  to  get  as  many  head  of  milk  coavs 
to  start  Avith  as  desired,  buy  calves  and  raise  them. 

In  and  around  the  city  of  Denver  alone  there  are  10,000 
head  of  milk  coavs  kept  in  dairies.  In  these  dairies  are  born 
every  year  nearly  10,000  calves.  They  sell  them  at  a  nominal 
price,  or  even  give  them  aAvay  frequently.  From  such  a  source 
a  breed  of  real  milkers  can  be  secured. 

The  market  is  unlimited  for  everything  a  dairy  farmer 
produces,  Avhether  it  be  cream,  butter,  cheese  or  fat  steers.  It 
is  ahvays  salable,  and  at  a  good  price,  for  spot  cash. 

By  raising  a  fcAv  acres  of  alfalfa,  kaffir  corn,  sorghum  and 
other  fodder,  which  can  be  raised  Avith  very  little  cultivation, 
cut  Avhen  green  and  stored  in  a  silo,  the  dairy  farmer  has  ample 
supplies  of  feed  for  the  Avinter. 

The  Avild  grasses  of  Colorado's  prairies  have  a  characteristic 
not  common  to  grasses  groAvn  in  lower  altitudes  and  more  moist 
climates.  It  ripens  into  natural  hay  Avithout  groAving  coarse 
or  Avithout  losing  its  nutritious  properties.  Cattle  Avill  eat  these 
grasses  all  Avinter  long  and  thrive. 


NATURAL    DIVISIONS    OF   COLORADO. 

There  are  many  natural  divisions  of  Colorado  and  many 
local  names,  some  of  which  will  be  explained  here,  as  these  will 
be  frequently  referred  to  in  the  descriptions,  which  follow : 

ARKANSAS  VALLEY. 

The  Arkansas  valley  is  the  valley  of  the  Arkansas  river 
from  Canon  City,  where  the  river  first  emerges  out  of  the  Royal 
gorge,  through  Pueblo,  Otero,  Bent  and  Powers  counties  to  the 
Kansas  state  line.  This  valley  varies  from  just  a  few  miles  to 
twenty  and  thirty  miles  in  width. 

it  is  very  fertile  and  practically  all  under  irrigation.  It 
is  famous  for  its  apples,  cantaloupes,  celery  and  alfalfa. 

There  are  no  vacant  lands  in  the  valley  proper;  but  on  the 
bench  lands,  above  the  irrigation  canals,  there  is  considerable 
land  which  is  now  being  taken  up  and  farmed  without  irriga- 
tion. In  time  other  canals  will  be  taken  out  from  the  river  to 
cover  a  still  larger  area  and  put  them  under  irrigation. 

This  requires,  however,  the  construction  of  large  storage 
reservoirs  in  the  mountains,  as  the  running  waters  in  the  streams 
are  all  appropriated  and  only  sufficient  to  supply  the  canals  al- 
ready in  operation.  It  will  probabl}^  be  some  years  before  we 
shall  see  any  great  change  in  the  irrigated  area  of  Arkansas 
valley. 

PLATTE  VALLEY. 

The  Platte  valley  is  the  valley  of  the  South  Platte  river, 
running  from  Denver  to  the  northeastern  corner  of  the  State, 
through  Adams,  Weld,  Morgan,  Logan  and  Sedgwick  counties. 
The  valley  itself  is  comparatively  narrow,  varying  from  five  to 
ten  or  fifteen  miles.  It  is  very  fertile  and  most  of  the  available 
lands  are  already  under  irrigation  and  cultivation. 

GRAND  VALLEY. 

The  Grand  valley  is  in  the  valley  "of  the  Grand  river,  in 
Mesa  county,  and  not  in  Grand  county,  as  frequently  supposed. 
This  is  a  wide,  level  valley.  Most  of  it  already  being  under  irri- 
gation. 

The  United  States  reclamation  service  is  now  building  a 
large  canal  in  the  Grand  valley,  which  will  extend  the  irrigated 
area  very  materially. 

This  is  a  famous  fruit  section. 


Free  Homestead  Lands  of  Colorado  Described 81 

SAN  LUIS  VALLEY. 

The  San  Luis  valley  is  a  large  level  prairie,  in  the  extreme 
south-central  part  of  the  State.  It  is  bounded  on  the  east  by 
the  Sangre  de  Cristo  range  of  mountains,  and  on  the  west  by  the 
Great  Continental  divide.  This  valley  is  fifty  miles  in  width 
and  a  hundred  miles  in  length.  Geologists  tell  us  that  it  was  the 
bed  of  an  ancient  lake,  which  accounts  for  the  extremely  level 
surface. 

The  longest  piece  of  absolutely  straight  railway  track  in 
the  United  States  is  located  in  the  San  Luis  valley,  between 
Villa  Grove  and  Alamosa.  It  extends  for  sixty  miles  without 
a  curve. 

Irrigation  canals  in  this  valley  are  built  in  straight  lines. 

UNCOMPAHGRE  VALLEY. 

This  is  the  valley  of  the  Uncompahgre  river,  extending 
from  Ouray  county  across  Montrose  county. 

The  Gunnison  tunnel,  a  project  of  the  United  States 
reclamation  service,  irrigates  a  large  part  of  the  Uncompahgre 
valley. 

It  is  a  very  fertile  section  and  well  known  for  its  fruit  and 
grains. 

POUDRE  VALLEY. 

This  is  the  valley  of  the  Cache  La  Poudre  river,  in  Larimer 
and  Weld  counties. 

It  is  a  very  fertile  valley,  and  very  carefully  irrigated  by 
one  of  the  most  modern  irrigation  systems  in  the  United  States. 

UPPER  ARKANSAS  VALLEY. 

This  is  a  narrow  valley  in  Chaffee  county,  along  the  Upper 
Arkansas  river. 

These  are  the  principal  and  best  known  valleys  in  the  State. 
Along  each  stream  is  more  or  less  valley  land,  using  the  name  of 
each  of  the  streams. 

SAN  JUAN  COUNTRY. 

"The  San  Juan"  is  a  general  term  frequently  used  for  the 
extreme  southwestern  corner  of  Colorado,  which  includes 
the  San  Juan  mountains,  with  their  valuable  metal  mining  dis- 
tricts, and  the  agricultural  lands  to  the  south  of  these,  in  Monte- 
zuma, La  Plata  and  Archuleta  counties,  watered  by  the  snows 
from  this  mountain  range.  Included  in  the  San  Juan  country 
are  the  Montezuma  and  La  Plata  valleys. 


32  FliEE  Homestead  La  ads  of  Colorado  Described 

THE   PARADOX   COUNTRY. 

This  is  a  term  used  to  describe  the  extreme  western  j^ortion 
of  Montrose  county,  Avest  of  the  Uncompahgre  phitean.  This  is 
in  the  valley  of  the  Dolores  river  and  includes  the  western  por- 
tion of  San  Miguel  county  and  the  extreme  southwestern  corner 
of  Mesa  county. 

The  Paradox  country  is  a  rapidly  developing  agricultural 
district,  best  known,  at  the  j)resent  time,  for  the  production  of 
uranium  and  radium  ores. 

NORTH   PARK. 

North  park  is  the  local  name  for  Jackson  county.  It  is  a 
rolling  prairie  district,  quite  level  in  places,  about  twenty-five  by 
thirty-five  miles  in  extent,  surrounded  on  the  east,  south  and 
west  by  high  ranges  of  mountains.  It  is  located  in  the  extreme 
north-central  portion  of  Colorado,  adjoining  the  Wyoming  state 
line. 

MIDDLE   PARK. 

Middk>  })ark  is  the  local  nauie  for  Grand  county  and  covers 
the  territory  comprising  the  headwaters  of  the  Grand  river.  It 
is  surrounded  on  all  sides  by  mountain  ranges.  The  river  emerges 
from  the  park  through  a  series  of  deep  canyons  or  gorges. 

Middle  park  is  much  more  broken  than  North  park.  It  is 
an  ideal  stock  country  and  is  famous  as  a  fishing,  hunting  and 
sight  seeing  section. 

SOUTH    PARK. 

South  park  is  the  local  name  for  Park  county.  It  is  a  high, 
rolling  plateau  or  prairie,  walled  in  on  the  west  by  the  Park 
range  of  the  Great  Continental  divide.  South  park,  proper,  is 
comparatively  destitute  of  timber  and  is  principally  grazing 
land. 

Along  the  streams  are  large  areas  of  irrigated  hay  lands, 
which  are  very  productive. 


HOW  TO  FILE  ON  A  HOMESTEAD. 

THE  LAW  IN  BRIEF. 

Every  citizen  of  the  United  States  has  a  right  to  claim  a 
homestead  on  any  vacant  land,  in  any  state,  that  is  open  for  entry. 

The  homestead  laws  of  the  United  States  are  technical,  legal 
documents,  filled  with  "ifs,"  "buts"  and  "whereases."  For  the 
benefit  of  those  contemplating  filing  on  homesteads,  a  brief,  sim- 
ple outline  of  the  necessary  steps  or  requirements,  is  here  given. 

A  homestead  was  originally  160  acres  or  a  quarter  section 
of  land,  half  a  mile  square.  In  some  sections  designated  by  the 
United  States  land  office  as  semi-arid  districts,  a  settler  may  now 
take  320  acres  under  practically  the  same  provision.  It  is  neces- 
sary first,  that  the  land  be  visited  and  examined.  It  must  be 
selected  in  forty-acre  tracts.  These  tracts  must  be  adjoining  or 
touching  on  the  corner,  giving  a  settler  an  opportunity  to  select 
the  best  land  that  is  open. 

Before  going  to  the  expense  of  making  a  trip  to  see  lands, 
call  or  write  to  the  recorder  for  the  land  office  in  that  district 
to  make  sure  they  are  still  open.  When  filings  are  being  made 
rapidly  in  an  office  they  may  have  been  entered  since  the  map 
showing  them  was  made. 

After  examining  the  land,  application  may  be  made  in  per- 
son, or  by  properly  made  out  application  blank,  duly  certified 
by  a  United  States  commissioner,  a  judge,  or  a  clerk  of  a  court 
of  record  living  in  or  near  the  district,  at  the  United  States  land 
office  for  the  district  in  which  the  land  is  located.  All  of  the 
necessary  blanks  and  legal  forms  required  for  homesteading  will 
be  supplied  by  the  land  office. 

After  making  a  formal  application  for  entry  a  settler  is 
allowed  six  months  in  which  to  establish  residence  on  the  land. 
That  is,  to  move  on  it  and  take  possession. 

After  he  has  lived  on  the  land  for  three  years,  from  the 
time  he  actually  takes  possession,  he  is  entitled  to  a  patent,  which 
is  equivalent  to  a  deed. 

Residence  on  the  land  must  be  actual  and  not  as  some  people 
imagine,  merely  a  pretense.  The  settler  must  build  some  kind  of 
a  suitable  residence  on  the  land  itself  and  actually  live  there. 
After  establishing  his  residence,  absence  of  not  more  than  five 
months  in  each  year  is  allowed,  providing  that  upon  leaving, 
notice  of  the  beginning  of  such  an  absence  must  be  filed  with  the 
land  office,  either  in  person  or  in  writing.  He  must  also  file 
notice  upon  his  return,  following  such  a  period  of  absence.  Two 
such  periods  cannot  be  in  sequence.    He  could  not  leave  the  first 


34 Free  Homestead  Lands 

of  August  and  return  the  first  of  January  to  leave  immediately 
again  for  another  five  months,  as  there  must  be  a  reasonable 
period  of  actual  residence  between  absences  and  a  reasonable 
cause  for  such  absence  must  be  explained  to  the  land  office. 

CULTIVATION. 

On  a  homestead  of  160  acres,  the  law  requires  that  a  claim- 
ant's cultivation  must  not  be  less  than  one-sixteenth  of  the  area, 
of  the  entry,  beginning  the  second  year  and  not  less  than  one- 
eighth  of  the  area  beginning  the  third  year  and  continue  cultivat- 
ing this  much  until  a  patent  is  obtained. 

Under  the  enlarged  homestead  laws  on  320  acres,  the  entry- 
man  is  required  to  cultivate  one-eighth  of  the  area  the  second  year 
and  one- fourth  the  area  after  that. 

COMMUTATION. 

After  fourteen  months  of  actual  residence  on  the  home- 
stead, the  entryman  may  commute  his  entry  by  making  a  cash 
payment  of  $1.25  per  acre,  providing  he  has  complied  with  the 
other  regulations. 

RIGHTS  OF  SOLDIERS  AND  SAILORS. 

A  soldier  or  sailor  in  the  service  of  the  government  may 
make  an  entry  during  enlistment  in  time  of  peace,  and  is  not 
required  personally  to  live  on  the  land,  but  may  receive  a  patent 
if  his  family  maintains  the  necessary  residence  and  cultivation 
until  the  entry  is  three  years  old. 

A  soldier  or  sailor,  who  has  served  our  government  in  time 
of  war,  is  entitled  to  have  the  time  of  his  military  service  apply 
on  a  residence  on  a  homestead,  providing  that  he,  himself,  main- 
tains an  actual  residence  for  at  least  one  year,  and  no  patent  will 
be  issued  until  a  suitable  habitable  house  has  been  placed  on  the 
land,  and  there  has  been  one  year's  residence  and  cultivation  by 
him  of  at  least  one  year. 

A  soldier  or  sailor  who  is  discharged  during  time  of  war  on 
account  of  wounds  or  disability  incurred  in  the  line  of  duty,  can 
have  credit  for  the  entire  time  of  his  enlistment,  subject  to  the 
above  provision. 

BY  WHOM  HOMESTEAD  ENTRIES  CAN  BE  MADE. 

Homestead  entries  can  be  made  by  any  male  citizen  of  the 
United  States  over  twenty-one  years ;  any  unmarried  women  over 
the  a^e  of  twenty-one ;  or  foreign  born  persons  who  have  declared 
their  intentions  to  become  citizens  of  the  United  States. 

No  person  who  is  already  the  owner  of  more  than  160  acres 
of  land  IS  eligible  to  make  an  entry,  as  the  homestead  laws  are 


OF  Colorado  Described 35 

intended  to  provide  homes  for  those  who  do  not  already  have 
them. 

Under  certain  conditions  married  women  are  entitled  to 
make  entry  as  follows :  Where  she  has  been  actually  deserted  by 
her  husband.  Where  her  husband  is  incapacitated  by  disease  or 
otherwise  from  earning  a  support  for  his  family  and  the  wife 
is  really  the  head  and  main  support  of  the  family.  Where  the 
husband  is  confined  in  a  penitentiary  and  she  is  actually  the 
head  of  the  family. 

A  husband  and  wife  cannot  maintain  separate  residences 
on  homestead  entries.  If  two  persons  marry  after  having  matle 
entry,  one  or  the  other  must  relinquish. 

A  widow,  if  otherwise  qualified,  may  make  a  homestead 
entry,  notwithstanding  the  fact  that  her  husband  had  used  his 
right. 

COST  OF  HOMESTEAD  FILING. 

A  settler  who  complies  with  the  homestead  laws  of  the 
United  States  and  actually  maintains  his  home  on  the  land  for 
three  years,  is  given  free  title  to  this  land  by  the  government. 
His  only  expense  being  a  nominal  fee  to  the  land  office  to  cover 
the  clerical  work,  the  total  of  which  is  as  follows : 

Filing  fee  on  160  acres,  if  within  a  railroad  grant,  $22.00 
outside,  $16. 

Filing  fee  on  320  acres,  if  within  a  railroad  grant,  $34.00 
outside,  $22.00. 

Final  proof  on  160  acres,  if  within  a  railroad  grant,  $12.00 
outside,  $6.00. 

Final  proof  on  320  acres,  if  within  railroad  grant,  $24.00 
outside,  $12.00. 

As  the  Union  Pacific  Railway  is  the  only  railroad  in  this 
State  having  a  land  grant,  the  larger  filing  and  final  proof  fees 
only  apply  to  lands  within  twenty  miles  or  this  road. 

PUBLICATIONS   OF  THE  UNITED   STATES  LAND   OFFICE. 

Those  considernig  filing  on  a  homestead  should  write  to 
the  United  States  land  office  at  Washington,  D.  C,  or  to  any 
local  United  States  land  office,  and  request  the  following  publi- 
cations, which  will  be  sent  without  cost: 

"Suggestions  to  Homesteaders." 

"The  Three- Year  Homestead  Laws." 

"Desert  Land  Laws  and  Regulations." 

"Timber  and  Stone  Act." 

"Isolated  Tract  Law." 

These  state  fully  all  the  different  methods  by  which  title 
can  be  secured  to  Government  lands. 


EXPLANATION    OF   DESCRIPTIONS. 

To  properly  understand  the  land  descriptions  in  this  book, 
a  careful  reading  of  the  following  is  essential. 

TOWNSHIP. 

The  unit  of  description  is  a  township,  six  miles  square,  con- 
taining thirty-six  sections  of  640  acres  each. 

To  properly  make  use  of  the  descriptions  which  follow, 
they  must  be  used  with  the  Clason  Land  District  Maps,  which 
show  what  lands  in  each  township  are  vacant.  In  many  town- 
ships not  over  forty  or  eighty  acres  may  be  vacant,  and  that  in 
the  undesirable  portions.  In  other  places,  practically  entire 
townships  will  be  found  without  settlers.  Almost  every  town- 
ship described  contained  some  vacant  land  at  the  time  this  book 
was  prepared. 

In  writing  these  descriptions  the  author  has  tried  to  give 
in  brief,  condensed  form,  the  most  prominent  features  of  each 
township.  There  are  good  lands  in  some  townships  which  in 
general  are  undesirable  just  as  there  are  poor  lands  in  the  best 
ones. 

The  township  is  the  unit  of  the  government  survey  in  this 
State  and  reference  can  be  made  to  any  map  of  Colorado  showing 
township  lines,  which  should  correspond  with  the  descriptions 
given  here. 

Townships  are  described  bj^  township  numbers  and  range 
numbers,  being  a  cross  numbering  system.  The  township  num- 
bers run  north  and  south  from  the  point  of  initiative  and  the 
range  numbers  east  and  west. 

Colorado  is  crossed  east  and  west,  about  twenty  miles  north 
of  Denver,  by  the  40th  parallel  of  latitude.  All  surveys  in  this 
State,  with  the  exception  of  the  southwestern  quarter  and  a  small 
area  in  the  Grand  valley,  are  based  on  the  40th  parallel  of  lati- 
tude and  the  6th  principal  meridian  of  longitude.  This  may 
sound  complicated,  but  it  is  really  simple.  For  example,  all 
townships  are  numbered  north  and  south  from  the  40th  parallel. 
Thus  township  1  South,  would  be  adjoining  it;  township  10 
South  would  be  sixty  miles  south  of  the  40th  parallel  of  latitude ; 
which  is  on  the  extreme  northern  boundary  of  the  State,  and 
or  township  10  North,  would  be  sixty  miles  north. 

The  township  numbers  range  from  1  North  to  12  North, 
from  1  South  to  35  South,  at  the  extreme  southern  boundar;^. 

Eange  numbers  are  read  west  from  the  6th  principal 
meridian,  which  crosses  north  and  south  through  central  Ne- 
braska and  Kansas.     The  first  range  number  we  have  in  this 


Free  Homestead  Lands  of  Colorado  Described 


37 


State  is  Eange  41  West  on  the  eastern  boundary,  thence  num- 
bered consecutively  across  the  State  to  Range  104  West. 

The  above  survey  covers  three-fourths  of  the  State.  In 
addition  to  it  we  have  the  Ute  principal  meridian,  comprising  a 
few  townships  in  the  center  of  the  Grand  valley,  around  Grand 
Junction,  this  survey  having  been  made  before  the  main  sur- 
vey had  been  carried  that  far  westward. 

In  the  southwestern  portion  of  Colorado  we  have  another 
survey  based  on  the  established  survey  line  of  New  Mexico.  This 
survey  was  carried  into  the  southwestern  part  of  the  State  be- 
fore the  main  survey  was  brought  across  that  territory.  The 
townships  read  north  from  the  New  Mexico  base  line  and  start 
in  this  State  with  number  32  North,  at  the  extreme  southern 
boundary  of  this  State,  numbering  thus  consecutively  north  to 
51  North,  at  a  point  where  this  survey  ties  up  with  Township  15 
South,  of  the  main  survey.  The  range  numbers  from  the  New 
Mexico  survey  read  east  and  west  from  the  New  Mexico  guide 
Meridian,  there  being  Ranges  1  to  12  East,  where  the  survey  con- 
nects with  Range  73  West,  of  the  main  survey  and  1  to  20  West, 
which  takes  in  the  extreme  western  boundary  of  the  State. 

Townships  are  grouped  in  the  following  descriptions  by 
counties  for  convenience  in  locating.     Where  a  township  lies 


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Outline  Map  of  Colorado,  Showing  What  Portions  of  the  State  Are  Covered 
by  the  Three  Different  Surveys 


38 Free  Homestead  Lands 

partially  in  one  county  and  partially  in  another,  it  is  only  de- 
scribed in  one  county,  usually  the  one  containing  the  largest 
proportion  of  the  township. 

RAINFALL. 

In  calculating  rainfall,  the  average  of  records  for  the  past 
ten  years  has  been  used.  It  will  be  found  that  the  rainfall  will 
vary  but  slightly  from  the  figures  given. 

On  the  eastern  plains,  extending  from  the  foothills  east  to 
the  state  line,  the  rainfall  varies  from  ten  to  twenty  inches  an- 
nually. In  most  places  the  average  is  at  least  one  inch  per  month 
throughout  the  year,  which  is  ample  moisture,  if  properly  con- 
served, for  producing  crops. 

In  the  mountainous  districts  the  rainfall  is  seldom  under 
fifteen  inches,  varying  from  that  to  twentj^-five  inches,  and  in 
numerous  places  it  runs  above  twenty-five  inches. 

On  the  plains  the  annual  precipitation  comes  principally 
in  the  form  of  rains,  just  when  it  is  needed  by  the  growing  crops, 
the  fall  and  winter  months  being  comparatively  dry.  In  the 
mountains  the  heaviest  precipitation  is  m  the  form  of  snow  in 
the  winter,  rain  and  wet  snows  in  the  spring,  and  rains  in  the 
summer. 

Growing  crops  are  not  injured  as  quickly  by  drouth  in  this 
State  as  at  lower  altitudes.    Hot  winds  are  unknown  in  Colorado. 

DISTANCE  FROM  RAILROAD. 

In  giving  the  distances  from  the  railroad,  the  township  is 
used  as  the  unit  and  distances  are  air  line  distances  to  the  near- 
est side  of  the  township. 

In  the  plains  section,  the  distances  will  correspond  fairly 
close  with  the  wagon  road  distances.  In  the  mountainous  dis- 
tricts the  wagon  road  distances  may  be  considerably  more. 

ELEVATION. 

Elevation  above  the  sea  level  varies  in  this  State  from  about 
3,500  feet  in  the  valleys  of  the  Platte  and  Arkansas  rivers  to 
14,000  feet,  at  the  summit  of  the  highest  mountain  peaks. 

Elevation  has  a  direct  effect  upon  the  climate  and  upon  the 
production  of  the  crops.  The  higher  the  elevation,  the  longer 
the  winters  and  the  shorter  the  summers. 

There  is  practically  a  true  relationship  between  elevation 
and  latitude.  For  example,  a  thousand  feet  in  elevation  is  equal 
to  100  miles  in  latitude.  For  farming  purposes,  an  elevation  of 
6,000  feet  at  the  southern  boundary  of  Colorado  would  produce 
the  same  conditions  as  an  elevation  of  5,000  feet  100  miles  further 
north. 


OF  Colorado  Described 39 

Local  conditions  frequently  counteract  the  effect  of  eleva- 
tion. Many  sheltered  places  in  the  mountains  have  a  very  mild 
climate  and  no  late  frosts,  making  them  suitable  for  fruit  and 
grape  culture. 

Corn  is  successfully  raised  up  to  an  elevation  of  5,000  or 
6,000  feet.  At  an  elevation  of  7,000  feet  and  up  it  usually  re- 
quires hardy  varieties  of  grains  to  mature.  Very  little  fruit  ex- 
cepting berries  can  be  matured  at  above  5,000  feet  in  elevation. 
At  the  extreme  high  altitudes  of  8,000  and  9,000  feet  no  crops  can 
be  matured  excepting  the  summer  vegetables,  hay  and  fodder. 

TIMBER. 

Settlers  who  homestead  lands  having  timber  on  them  are 
the  owners  of  the  timber.  It  is  unlawful  to  cut  timber  from  the 
vacant  government  lands.  In  the  national  forests  such  lumber 
as  a  settler  needs  can  be  cut  free  of  cost  by  making  application 
to  the  local  ranker. 

In  the  prairies  and  in  the  large  valleys  there  is  practically 
no  timber,  excepting  a  few  cottonwoods  and  willows,  which  grow 
along  the  streams.  The  occurrance  of  timber  is  usually  noted  in 
the  descriptions.  If  it  is  not  definitely  stated  that  timber  occurs, 
it  is  almost  certain  that  there  is  none. 

Land  values  in  the  timbered  district  are  estimated  accord- 
ing to  the  value  of  the  surface  for  farming  or  grazing,  without 
regard  to  the  value  of  the  timber. 

COAL. 

A  verjr  large  area  of  the  State  of  Colorado  is  underlaid 
with  coal  veins.  Nearly  all  lands  underlaid  with  coal  are  open  to 
homestead  entry,  but  the  settler  is  not  the  owner  of  the  coal.  His 
rights  are  only  for  the  surface. 

Coal  is  cheap  and  plentiful,  and  makes  up  for  the  lack  of 
timber  in  many  parts  of  the  State,  furnishing  an  abundance  of 
fuel. 

Coal  lands  must  be  entered  and  patented  in  a  different  way. 
The  United  States  land  office  will  supply  circulars  describing 
how  lands  can  be  taken  under  the  coal  filing  upon  request. 

LAND  VALUES. 
The  land  values  are  estimated  according  to  the  market 
price  of  the  raw  and  unimproved  lands  in  each  township.  It  is 
intended  that  these  values  be  conservative.  Bear  in  mind  that 
they  always  refer  to  vacant  lands.  For  example,  a  description 
may  say  that  most  of  the  township  is  under  irrigation  and  the 
value  is  $5  to  $12  per  acre.  The  value  of  irrigated  lands  is  any- 
where from  $50  up  to  $200  per  acre,  and  the  values  given  refer 
only  to  the  vacant  lands. 


40 Free  Homestead  Lands 

Values  are  naturally  governed  by  the  distance  from  a  rail- 
road and  population  of  the  county.  In  unsettled  districts  lands 
may  be  quoted  at  $5  per  acre  because  of  the  small  population 
and  the  little  demand  tor  lands  in  that  section. 

It  should  also  be  borne  in  mind  that  Colorado  is  very 
sparsely  settled.  This  state  can  readily  accommodate  five  times 
as  many  farmers  as  are  living  here  today.  The  demand  for 
farm  lands,  locally,  is  far  below  what  it  should  be.  Our  land 
values  are  not  more  than  half  what  the  land  should  bring. 

At  the  present  time  the  value  of  Colorado  lands  is  on  the 
increase.  Just  a  few  years  ago  railroad  lands  on  the  plains  could 
be  purchased  at  $1.25  to  $2.50  per  acre.  These  same  lands  today 
cannot  be  bought  for  less  than  $10  to  $12  per  acre  and  sometimes 
$30  to  $40  .  Those  who  get  lands  here  today  are  getting  some- 
thing that  will  increase  in  value  every  year.  The  retired  farm- 
ers of  the  Mississippi  valley  made  a  large  percentage  of  their  for- 
tunes through  the  increase  of  the  value  of  their  lands.  Such  an 
increase  is  bound  to  take  place  in  Colorado  before  this  State  is 
another  generation  older.  It  is  not  absurd  that  the  profits  of 
one  year's  crop  on  a  farm  will  frequently  pay  the  entire  purchase 
price.  That  is  the  condition  existing  in  many  localities  in 
Colorado. 

SURFACE  DESCRIPTION. 

Prairie  or  plateau  lands  are  generally  slightly  rolling,  unless 
specified  to  be  level.  If  described  as  rolling  or  undulating,  it 
means  a  succession  of  low  hills  suitable  for  cultivation.  Rough 
and  broken  prairie  lands  mean  unsuitable  for  cultivation. 

The  word  "hilly"  is  used  to  describe  a  decidedly  undulating 
or  rolling  section.  Lands  described  as  hilly  are  not  necessarily 
unsuitable  for  cultivation. 

The  word,  mountainous,  is  used  to  describe  lands  steep  and 
rugged  in  character,  the  slopes  of  which  are  not  suitable  for  cul- 
tivation. 

A  valley  is  open,  level  bottom  land  along  streams  and  it  may 
be  of  any  size. 

The  word  "park"  signifies  a  comparatively  level  piece  of 
ground  located  in  the  mountains.  A  park  is  not  a  valley,  as  it 
may  be  high  upon  a  mountain  side  or  on  top  of  the  divide;  it 
may  be  a  large  district  including  numerous  valleys  and  low  roll- 
ing hills  or  prairie  lands  between. 

A  mesa  is  a  flat- topped  hill,  a  formation  frequently  called 
"table  mountains."  Mesas  may  be  of  any  size,  large  or  small, 
and  of  any  height,  but  the  general  characteristics  must  be  flat- 
topped  with  precipitous  sides.  Plateau  table  lands  differ  from 
mesas  in  that  they  do  not  have  the  precipitous  sides. 


OF  Colorado  Described  41 

An  arroyo  is  a  gulch  or  gulley ,  usually  cut  out  by  erosion ; 
having  very  steep  sides  and  being  a  formation  that  accompanies 
mesas. 

WATER. 

Considerable  emphasis  is  laid  in  the  descriptions  with 
regard  to  surface  water.  This  is  important  for  two  reasons.  If 
there  is  a  considerable  amount  of  surface  water  it  usually  indi- 
cates that  there  will  be  some  lands  in  the  immediate  vicinity  that 
could  be  irrigated.  Surface  water  is  also  important  in  the  stock 
industry,  especially  running  water  and  springs  that  give  a 
permanent  supply  the  year  round. 

Water  in  this  State  in  running  streams  or  wells  is  almost 
universally  pure  and  good. 

In  the  mountainous  sections  are  many  mineral  springs. 
These  most  commonly  contain  sulphur,  iron  and  other  harmless 
minerals.  A  good  many  of  Colorado's  mountain  springs,  espe- 
cially the  hot  springs,  are  radio-active.  Eminent  j)hysicians  are 
now  studying  the  anects  of  these  to  see  what  curative  properties 
they  may  have.  At  some  later  time  these  undoubedly  will  be 
valued  highly. 

In  the  prairie  sections,  well  water  can  be  obtained  at  varying 
depths;  in  some  places  over  large  areas  at  just  a  few  feet  under 
the  surface.  It  generally  can  be  found  within  75  or  100  feet, 
but  occasionally  it  will  be  200  or  300  feet  in  depth.  In  the  de- 
scriptions, the  depth  of  water  for  wells  is  frequently  given. 

In  some  of  the  shallow  watered  districts,  for  example.  North- 
eastern Weld  county,  irrigation  farming  is  carried  on  by  raising 
the  water  from  shallow  wells  by  means  of  gasoline  pumps.  There 
is  a  possibility  for  wide  development  along  these  lines. 

There  are  several  artesian  belts  in  the  State.  The  best 
known  are  in  central  Baca  county,  and  in  the  San  Luis  valley, 
where  water  can  be  tapped  at  a  comparatively  shallow  depth  and 
spouts  under  considerable  pressure. 


ADAMS  COUNTY 

DENVER  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  99,680  Acres. 

Adams  county  is  located  in  the  central  part  of  the  State,  just  northeast 
of  the  city  of  Denver.  It  is  all  in  a  plain  section.  The  western  end  is  crossed 
by  the  South  Platte  river.  Large  areas  of  this  county  are  irrigated  and  very 
productive.  The  eastern  portion  of  the  county  is  a  dry  farming  and  stock 
raising  section. 

In  the  last  few  years  land  has  been  very  rapidly  taken  up  in  this  county, 
and  at  the  present  time  there  is  not  a  large  area  available  for  settlement. 
The  population  of  the  county  is  9,000. 

The  annual  production  of  the  principal  agricultural  products,  is  as  fol- 
lows: 

Cereals    $700,000.00 

Hay    400,000.00 

Vegetables    200,000.00 

Other  crops    150,000.00 

The  central  portion  of  Adams  county  is  underlaid  with  coal.  This  is  not 
being  mined  commercially;  probably  lies  quite  deep. 

While  there  is  not  much  vacant  land  in  the  county,  there  is  a  large 
amount  of  land  that  has  been  taken  up  for  a  good  many  years  and  used  as 
pasturage,  which  can  be  bought  at  a  very  nominal  price  and  is  suitable  for 
cultivation. 

Adams  county  has  good  railroad  facilities;  is  right  at  the  door  of  Den- 
ver's market,  and  is  a  good  location  for  farming,  dairying  or  stock  raising. 
Brighton  is  the  county  seat;  population  1,000. 

Township  1  S.,  R.  57  W. — The  surface  is  generally  rolling  prairie  land 
with  some  bottom  land  along  Badger  creek.  In  the  bottom  land,  the  soil  is 
of  good  quality;  other  portions,  sand  loam.  There  is  no  surface  water  ex- 
cepting along  the  creek.  Good  natural  grass.  Value,  $11  to  $15  per  acre.  An- 
nual rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation  5,000  feet;  sixteen  miles  from  rail- 
road. 

Township  2  S.,  R.  57  W. — The  surface  is  generally  rolling  prairie;  with  a 
good  growth  of  buffalo  grass.  The  soil  varies  from  a  clay  loam  to  a  sandv 
loam.  Suitable  for  cultivation.  Value,  $10  to  $15  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall, 
10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  5,000  feet.    Fifteen  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  3  S.,  R.  57  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling  and 
badly  broken  in  places.  This  is  fair  grazing  land,  but  no  surface  water. 
Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  6,000 
feet.    Fifteen  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  1  S.,  R.  58  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie,  rough  in  places 
and  covered  with  a  good  growth  of  natural  grasses.  The  northern  part  is 
sandy,  the  southern  part,  hilly  and  rocky.  Value,  $5  to  $15  per  acre.  There 
is  no  surface  water.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  6,000  feet. 
Fifteen  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  2  S.,  R.  58  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie,  rough  and  broken 
in  some  places.    There  is  a  good  growth  of  buffalo  grass.    Destitute  of  wood 


Adams  County  46 


or  water.  There  are  some  rolling  sand  hills.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  An- 
Bual  railfall,  10  to  1ft  inches.  Elevation,  5,200  f«et.  Twenty  niil«s  from  rail- 
road. 

Township  1  S.,  R.  59  W. — The  surface  is  generally  rolling  prairie  land. 
There  is  abundance  of  good  grazing.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam.  There  is  no 
surface  water  excepting  in  Deer  Trail  creek.  There  is  farming  in  this  town- 
ship. Value,  $6  to  $15  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation, 
5,000  feet.     Fifteen  miles   from  railroad. 

Township  2  S.,  R.  59  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land.  The  soil  is  a 
sandy  loam.  There  is  farming  in  this  township.  No  surface  water.  Value, 
$6  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,000  feet. 
Ten  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  3  S.,  R.  60  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land.  Soil,  a 
sandy  loam.  There  is  good  growth  of  grass.  There  is  no  surface  water  ex- 
cepting in  Bijou  creek.  This  is  in  the  dry  farming  district.  Value,  $7  to  $12 
per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Three 
miles  from  railroad. 

Township  2  S.,  R.  61  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land,  nearly  level 
in  places.  The  soil  is  sandy.  This  is  fair  grazing  land.  Water  in  ravines 
and  pools.  Value,  $5  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Ele- 
vation, 5,000  feet.     Eight  miles  from  railroad. 


ALAMOSA  COUNTY 

DEL  NORTE  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  43,748  Acres. 
PUEBLO  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  12,274  Acres. 

Alamosa  county  is  located  in  the  south-central  portion  of  Colorado,  in 
the  heart  of  the  San  Luis  valley,  with  the  exception  of  the  northeast  corner, 
which  crosses  the  Sangre  de  Cristo  Range  of  mountains.  The  rest  of  the 
county  is  flat  and  level,  lying  in  a  splendid  agricultural  district. 

The  fertility  of  the  soil  of  this  valley  is  unusual  and  while  the  altitude 
of  the  valley  is  comparatively  high  for  farming,  being  8,000  feet,  yet  the 
fact  that  it  is  so  far  south  and  sheltered  by  the  surrounding  mountain 
ranges,  make  it  a  very  good  farming  section. 

The  yields  of  wheat,  potatoes,  alfalfa,  field  peas  and  other  crops  suitable 
to  this  valley,  are  tremendous  and  not  excelled  anywhere  in  the  world. 

Alamosa  county  has  good  railroad  facilities.  A  large  part  of  the  county 
is  under  irrigation.  Alamosa,  the  county  seat,  is  the  largest  town,  with  a 
population  of  3,000  people. 

This  county  lies  in  the  artesian  belt  and  has  many  flowing  artesian  wells. 

DEL  NORTE  LAND  DISTRICT. 

Township  38  N.,  R.  10  E. — In  the  center  of  the  San  Luis  valley,  just  one 
mile  north  of  Alamosa,  the  county  seat.  This  township  is  crossed  by  rail- 
road. The  land  is  comparatively  level  and  is  covered  with  chico  brush  and 
grease  wood  and  sage  brush.  The  soil  is  a  fairly,  rich,  sandy  soil  and  pro- 
duces fine  alfalfa.  Some  artesian  water  secured  at  a  depth  of  from  150  to 
400  feet.  Value,  $20  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  5  to  10  inches.  Elevation, 
8,000  feet. 

Township  36  N.,  R.  11  E. — The  vacant  lands  in  this  township  are  mesa 
lands,  rather  above  the  valley  level  and  not  up  to  the  standard  of  the  bot- 
tom lands.  The  soil  is  covered  with  sage  brush.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  Dis- 
tance from  railroad,  four  miles.  Annual  rainfall,  10  inches.  Elevation,  8,000 
feet. 

Township  37  N.,  R.  11  E. — This  township  is  in  the  center  of  the  San  Luis 
valley.  The  surface  is  comparatively  level  and  covered  with  sage  brush. 
Fairly  good  sandy  soil  underlaid  with  artesian  water  at  a  depth  of  150  to 
400  feet.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  This  township  is  crossed  by  railroad.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  inches.     Elevation,  8,000  feet. 

Township  38  N.,  R.  11  E. — A  level,  sage  brush  covered  section  without 
surface  water.  Fairly  good  grass  growing  among  the  sage  brush.  The 
soil  is  sandy  and  good  underlaid  with  artesian  water  at  a  depth  of  150  to  400 
feet.  A  considerable  area  of  this  township  is  already  under  irrigation. 
Value,  $5  to  $15  per  acre.  Distance  from  railroad,  two  miles.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 10  inches.    Elevation,  8,000  feet. 

Township  39  N.,  R.  11  E. — This  is  a  rolling  sage  brush  country.  Water 
is  found  a  short  distance  below  the  surface.  The  township  is  partially  in 
the  sand  hills.    The  soil  is  a  good  sandy  soil  and  raising  exceptionally  good 


Alamosa  County  45 


alfalfa.    Distance  from  railroad,  two  miles.    Valut,  $6  to  $10  per  aer«.    An- 
aual  rainfall,  10  ineheg.    Elevation,  8,000  feet. 

Township  40  N.,  R.  11  E. — The  vacant  lands  in  this  township  arc  just 
outside  of  the  irrigated  portion  of  the  valley.  The  surface  is  comparatively 
level.  There  is  considerable  alkali  on  part  of  the  land.  The  soil  produces 
a  good  growth  of  alfalfa;  and  is  underlaid  with  artesian  water  at  a  depth 
of  150  to  400  feet.  Value,  $8  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  inches. 
Elevation,  8,000  feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  three  miles. 

Township  37  N.,  R.  12  E. — This  township  is  located  in  the  eastern  portion 
of  the  valley;  it  is  crossed  centrally  by  a  railroad.  The  surface  is  level, 
covered  with  sage  brush  and  greasewood.  A  good  sandy  soil,  underlaid  with 
artesian  water  at  a  depth  of  150  to  400  feet.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  An- 
nual rainfall,  10  inches.    Elevation,  8,000  feet. 

Township  37  N.,  R.  12  E. — This  township  is  located  in  the  eastern  portion 
of  the  valley.  It  has  a  good  sandy  soil,  well  covered  with  chico  and  sage  brush; 
underlaid  with  artesian  water  at  a  depth  of  150  to  400  feet.  Distance  from 
railroad,  two  miles.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  8,000  feet. 
Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  40  N.,  R.  12  E. — The  eastern  portion  of  this  township  is  hilly  and 
sandy  covered  with  sage  brush.  The  western  portion  is  level,  fine  grazing  land. 
Some  artesian  water  at  a  depth  of  from  150  to  400  feet.  Some  surface  water 
at  a  shallow  depth.  Value,  $6  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  railfall,  10  to  15 
inches.    Elevation,  8,000  feet. 

Township  39  N.,  R.  13  E. — A  fractional  township  only  about  a  half  mile 
wide  hj  six  miles  north  and  south.  The  soil  is  generally  sandy  and  is  cov- 
ered with  sage  brush.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Elevation,  8,500  feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  fifteen  miles. 

PUEBLO  LAND  DISTRICT. 

Township  27  S.,  R.  73  W. — A  rough  and  mountainous  township  on  the 
western  slope  of  the  Sangre  De  Cristo  range.  The  soil  is  generally  sandy  and 
rocky.  This  is  fair  grazing  land.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Distance 
from  railroad,  fifteen  miles.  Elevation,  9,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to 
20  inches. 

Township  28  S.,  R.  73  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  mountainous, 
reaching  to  the  crest  of  Sierra  Blanca,  the  highest  mountain  in  southern 
Colorado,  and  sloping  westward.  The  eastern  portion  is  mostly  above  timber 
land.  The  western  portion  is  well  timbered  with  spruce  and  pinon,  and  some 
Cottonwood.  This  township  is  well  watered  by  streams  and  creeks  and  the 
land  is  suitable  for  grazing.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Distance  from 
railroad,  fifteen  miles.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  9,000 
feet. 

Township  29  S.,  R.  73  W. — Outside  of  the  regular  bottom  lands,  the  soil 
in  this  township  is  sandy,  covered  with  sage  brush.  This  township  is  in  the 
extreme  eastern  portion  of  the  San  Luis  valley,  just  under  Mt.  Sierra 
Blanco.  The  elevation  is  so  high  that  frost  occurs  almost  at  any  time  during 
the  year,  making  agriculture  hazardous.  Mostly  grazing  land.  Value,  $3.50 
to  $5  per  acre.  Distance  from  railroad,  three  miles.  Elevation,  8,500  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 


ARAPAHOE  COUNTY 

DENVER  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  4,040  Acres. 

Arapahoe  county  is  in  the  central  part  of  the  State,  adjoining  Denver. 
In  the  western  end  of  the  county,  around  Littleton,  the  county  seat,  there 
is  considerable  irrigated  land.  The  rest  of  the  country  is  used  for  dry  farm- 
ing and  stock  raising. 

The  vacant  lands  have  recently  been  taken  up  very  rapidly  in  this  county. 
There  is  very  little  left  at  the  present  time.  There  are,  however,  large  areas 
suitable  for  cultivation,  which  are  used  for  pasturing  or  not  used  at  all,  that 
can  be  purchased  at  a  very  nominal  price. 

Its  closeness  to  Denver,  and  the  good  market  facilities,  makes  this  an 
especially  desirable  section  in  which  to  locate.  The  population  of  the  county 
is  12,000.     The  population  of  Littleton  is  1,500. 

The  value  per  year,  for  the  principal  agricultural  products,  is  as  follows: 

Cereals    $250,000.00 

Hay    400,000.00 

Vegetables  and  other  crops 125,000.00 

Township  4  S.,  R.  57  W. — Most  of  the  surface  of  this  township  is  badly 
broken  up  with  deep  ravines  and  rough  hills.  The  soil  is  of  poor  quality. 
There  is  a  good  growth  of  grass.  Water  can  be  found  in  pools  in  several 
ravines.  The  southern  portion  is  a  little  better,  rolling  prairies.  Value,  $5 
to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,200  feet. 
Fifteen  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  5  S.,  R.  57  W. — The  surface  is  broken  by  large  ravines;  very 
difficult  to  cross.  The  soil  is  generally  third  rate.  This  land  is  good  only 
for  grazing  purposes.  There  is  no  surface  or  running  water.  Value,  $3.50 
to  $6.00  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,300  feet. 
Ten  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  4  S.,  R.  58  W. — The  surface  is  broken  up  by  ravines  running 
in  all  directions.  Some  portions  are  suitable  for  farming,  some  rolling  hills. 
There  is  no  surface  water.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to 
15  inches.     Elevation,  5,200  feet.     Eight  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  5  S.,  R.  58  W. — The  surface  is  broken  with  gullies  and  ravines- 
Some  portions  of  this  township  are  nice  level  land;  others  hilly;  some  valleys. 
The  soil  is  adobe.  Grazing  only  medium.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Elevation,  5,300  feet.     Five  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  5  S.,  R.  59  W. — The  surface  is  generally  rolling.  The  soil  is 
adobe.  Grazing,  medium.  There  is  considerable  farming  in  this  township; 
also  indications  of  coal  and  iron.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall, 
10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,100  feet,  This  township  is  crossed  by  a  rail- 
road, 


ARCHULETA   COUNTY 

DURANGO  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  114,789  Acres. 

Archuleta  county  lies  on  the  extreme  southern  boundary  of  Colorado, 
adjoining  the  New  Mexico  state  line.  It  is  located  on  the  southern  slope  of 
the  San  Juan  mountains  and  is  largely  included  in  the  San  Juan  national 
forest. 

This  is  a  fertile,  well-watered  section,  originally  very  heavily  timbered, 
although  much  of  the  timber  has  been  cut  off.  Archuleta  county  is  very 
sparsely  settled,  the  total  population  of  the  county  being  only  3,500  people. 
There  are  good  farming  lands  in  this  county.  Much  of  the  vacant  land  offers 
excellent  opportunities  for  homesteaders,  both  in  taking  up  new  land  and 
in  farming  the  logged  off  lands. 

This  is  quite  a  productive  stock  country,  but  up  to  the  present  time  the 
agricultural  output  is  very  small,  about  as  follows: 

Cereals     $  75,000.00 

Hay    125,000.00 

Vegetables  and  other  crops 25,000.00 

Pagosa  Springs,  population  1,000,  is  the  county  seat  and  the  location  of 
some  large  medicinal  hot  springs  that  some  day  will  have  a  national  reputation 
for  their  wonderful  curative  properties. 

Township  32  N.,  R.  1  E. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  very  moun- 
tainous, with  deep  canyons  along  the  state  line.  Grazing  is  good  along  the 
river  and  in  the  valleys.  This  section  was  originally  heavily  timbered,  but 
most  of  it  has  been  cut.     There  are  some  large  open  parks,  where  feed  is 

food  and  abundant.     This  township  is  crossed  by  a  logging  railroad.     Value, 
3.50  per  acre.     Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.     Elevation,  8,000  feet. 

Township  32  N.,  R.  2  E. — This  township  is  generally  rough  and  moun- 
tainous, much  sage  brush  and  valleys  where  the  grazing  is  good.  There  are 
some  good  lands  along  the  river  bottoms,  with  the  exception  of  a  strip  a 
mile  wide.  The  rest  of  the  township  is  included  in  the  Tierra  Amarilla 
grant,  a  grant  made  by  the  king  of  Spain  to  one  of  his  favorites,  when  this 
section  still  belonged  to  Spain.  This  township  is  reached  by  a  logging  rail- 
road from  the  main  line.  This  section  of  Colorado  was  originally  heavily 
timbered.  Much  of  the  timber  has  been  cut.  Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25 
inches.    Elevation,  8,000  feet. 

Township  33  N.,  R.  2  E. — This  township  is  mountainous  and  well  watered. 
There  is  some  fertile  bench  land  along  the  river  bottom.  All  of  the  town- 
ship except  a  strip  one  mile  deep  in  the  southern  boundary  of  the  township, 
is  included  in  the  San  Juan  national  forest.  A  logging  railroad  runs  withm 
one  mile  of  the  southeastern  corner.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.     Elevation,  8,500  feet. 

Township  32  N.,  R.  1  W. — This  township  is  generally  mountainous.  A 
portion  of  it  is  fairly  level  and  fine  for  grazing  purposes.  There  is  more 
or  less  pine  timber.  This  township  is  crossed  by  a  logging  railroad.  Value, 
$7  per  acre.     Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.     Elevation,  8,000  feet. 


48  Archuleta  County 


Township  35  N.,  R.  1  W. — This  township  is  just  east  and  adjoining 
Pagosa  Springs,  the  county  seat.  The  east  one-half  of  the  township  is  in- 
cluded in  the  San  Juan  national  forest.  The  district  is  hilly.  It  is  well 
watered  by  several  streams,  which  have  some  good  land  along  their  bottoms. 
Good  grazing.  Originally  this  section  was  covered  with  heavy  mill  timber, 
most  of  which  has  been  cut,  as  the  lumbermen  were  not  very  particular  as 
to  whose  timber  they  cut.  It  is  probable  that  the  good  timber  has  been 
stolen  from  the  few  tracts  of  land  still  vacant  in  this  township.  When  the 
stumps  are  cleared  off  the  lands  make  excellent  farms.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.  Elevation,  7,500  feet.  Distance  from 
railroad,  one  mile. 

Township  36  N.,  R.  1  W. — This  township  is  mountainous  and  with  the 
exception  of  sections  31  and  32,  is  included  in  the  San  Juan  national  forest. 
This  district  is  well  watered  and  was  originally  covered  with  heavy  timber, 
most  of  which  has  been  cut  off.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  20 
to  25  inches.     Elevation,  7,500  feet.     Three  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  32  N.,  R.  1^  W. — This  township  is  a  narrow  strip  of  land 
about  one-half  mile  in  width  by  four  miles  north  and  south.  In  general  it 
is  mountainous.  Valuable  yellow  pine  and  Douglass  fir  timber  may  be  found 
in  portions.  There  is  plenty  of  surface  water  for  stock.  Excellent  grazing 
throughout.  The  soil  is  a  thin  black  or  sandy  loam  with  many  rocks  and 
stones  and  is  fairly  moist.  This  land  would  not  be  considered  as  agricul- 
tural land  at  present,  but  is  of  value  for  its  timber  and  grazing.  Distance 
from  railroad,  six  miles.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  8,500 
feet.    Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  36  N.,  R.  1^  W. — This  is  a  narrow  strip  of  ground  about  one- 
half  mile  wide  by  six  miles  north  and  south.  It  is  mountainous  and  the  soil 
unfit  for  agricultural  purposes.  The  only  creek  crossing  it  is  alkaline  and 
unfit  for  domestic  use.  There  is  some  good  timber  in  section  36  and  the  rest 
is  covered  with  scrub  oak  and  other  brush.  Distance  from  railroad,  seven 
miles.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 7,500  feet. 

Township  32  N.,  R.  2  W. — This  township  is  entirely  mountainous,  rough 
and  broken,  more  or  less  covered  with  scrub  pine,  spruce,  cedar  and  pinon. 
A  few  small  springs  are  to  be  found  in  some  of  the  canyons.  There  is  a 
little  farming  land.  Value,  $3.50  to  $7  per  acre.  Crossed  by  railroad.  Eleva- 
tion, 7,500  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 

Township  33  N.,  R.  2  W. — This  township  is  hilly  and  high  mesa  land 
There  is  very  little  land  suitable  for  agriculture,  excepting  that  along  the 
river  bottoms.  This  township  was  originally  covered  with  good  pine  and 
cedar  timber.  Excellent  grazing  throughout.  Distance  from  railroad,  three 
miles.  Value  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  20  inches.  Elevation,  7,000 
feet. 

Township  34  N.,  R.  2  W. — This  township  is  mountainous  and  nearly  all 
included  in  the  San  Juan  national  forest.  The  lands  outside  of  the  forest 
are  all  taken  up  with  the  exception  of  a  few  pieces,  ranging  from  40  to  360 
acres  in  size.  It  is  probable  that  the  best  timber  has  been  cut  from  these 
and  that  they  would  be  classified  as  logged  off  lands  with  a  value  of  $5  to 
$8  per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  20  inches.    Elevation,  7,000  feet. 

Township  35  N.,  R.  2  W. — In  the  eastern  part  of  this  township  is  located 
Pagosa  Springs,  the  county  seat  of  Archuleta  county.  There  is  considerable 
farming  being  done  without  irrigation  in  this  district  around  Pagosa  Springs, 


Archuleta  County  49 


utilizing  the  logged-oflf  lands.  Some  portions  of  this  township  are  rougli 
and  unsuitable  for  cultivation;  others  fairly  level.  Value,  $6  to  $12  per  acre. 
This  township  is  crossed  by  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 7,500  feet. 

Township  32  N.,  R.  3  W. — This  is  a  fractional  township  on  the  extreme 
southern  border  of  Colorado,  adjoining  the  New  Mexico  state  line.  The 
southern  tier  of  sections  are  mountainous  and  covered  with  a  dense  growth 
of  pine,  pinon  and  cedars,  with  excellent  grass.  The  rest  of  the  township  is 
a  rolling  mesa.  The  lands  along  the  river  bottoms  are  good.  Value,  $5  to 
$8  per  acre.  This  township  is  crossed  by  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to 
20  inches.     Elevation,  6,500  feet. 

Township  33  N.,  R.  3  W. — This  township  is  mainly  adapted  to  grazing. 
There  is  good  agricultural  land  along  Cat  creek.  Water  and  grass  is  abund- 
ant. There  is  a  heavy  growth  of  pine  timber  in  the  northwest  portion. 
Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  This  township  is  crossed  by  railroad.  Elevation, 
6,500  feet.     Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 

Township  34  N.,  R.  3  W. — The  soil  in  this  township  is  considerably  below 
the  average  for  this  district.  The  surface  is  mountainous  in  the  western 
portion  and  rough  and  broken  in  the  eastern  part.  The  timber  is  mostly 
pine  with  a  dense  growth  of  brush  in  most  parts.  The  soil  is  adobe.  Value, 
$5  to  $10  per  acre.  Crossed  by  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Elevation,  8,000  feet. 

Township  32  N.,  R.  4  W. — The  river  valley  is  from  one-quarter  to  a 
mile  wide  and  is  good  agricultural  land;  the  balance  of  this  township  is 
high  rolling  mesa,  covered  with  pine,  pinon  and  cedar.  There  is  an  abund- 
ance of  good  gramma  grass.  This  township  is  crossed  by  railroad.  Value, 
$5  per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.     Elevation,  6,500  feet. 

Township  33  N.,  R.  4  W. — The  surface  is  hilly  and  mountainous  with  pine 
timber  on  the  ridges,  and  cedar  and  pinon  over  the  rest.  The  only  water 
consists  of  small  springs  along  El  Rondo  creek  and  a  very  large  flowing 
spring  in  a  small  valley  in  the  northeast  quarter  of  section  9.  This  township 
is  chiefly  valuable  for  timber  and  grazing  purposes.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per 
acre.  Distance  from  railroad,  two  miles.  Elevation,  8,000  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 

Township  32  N.,  R.  5  W. — The  agricultural  lands  in  this  township  are 
confined  to  the  river  valleys,  the  remainder  being  mostly  mountainous  and 
covered  with  heavy  pine  timber.  This  township  is  crossed  by  railroad. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation, 
6,000  feet. 

Township  33  N.,  R.  5  W. — This  township  is  mountainous,  covered  with 
pine  and  cedar  timber.  The  small  strips  of  agricultural  land  along  the  river 
have  been  pretty  carefully  picked  over.  Distance  from  railorad,  three  miles. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation, 
6,500  feet. 

Township  32  N.,  R.  6  W. — This  township  is  rolling  mesa  land,  valleys 
and  low  ridges.  The  valleys  are  filled  with  a  dense  growth  of  sage  brush ; 
and  the  ridges  are  covered  with  pinons  and  cedars.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  clay 
and  very  productive  under  irrigation.  There  is  no  running  water.  Cattle 
water  is  found  at  holes  which  collect  surface  run-off.  Grass  is  good.  Value, 
$6  to  $8  per  acre.  Crossed  by  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  6,000  feet. 


60  Archuleta  County 


Township  33  N.,  R.  6  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  land,  ridges  and  valleys; 
the  former  heavily  timbered  with  cedar  and  the  latter  covered  with  a  dense 
growth  of  sage  brush.  There  is  no  running  water.  Distance  from  railroad, 
three  miles.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  6,500  feet. 


BACA  COUNTY 

LAMAR  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  535,206  Acres. 

Baca  county  is  about  fifty  miles  in  length  and  forty-five  miles  in  width. 
It  is  located  in  the  extreme  southeast  corner  of  Colorado,  adjoining  the  Kan- 
sas state  line.  The  population  of  Baca  county  is  nominal,  compared  with  the 
area,  being  only  about  3,000  people  at  the  present  time. 

This  is  a  prairie  section,  a  natural  stock  and  grazing  country.  It  is  the 
only  county  in  Colorado  not  touched  or  crossed  by  railroad.  It  is  a  section 
of  wonderful  agricultural  opportunities.  Over  a  large  area  of  the  county 
the  soil  is  fertile  and  suitable  for  cultivation.  There  is  not  much  surface 
water,  but  it  is  readily  secured  through  windmills  and  many  artesian  wells 
have  been  found.     Springfield,  population  200,  is  the  county  seat. 

This  is  a  county  well  worth  investigating  as  the  settler  can  find  good 
farra  land  here.  The  agricultural  production  at  the  present  time,  is  only 
nominal,  owing  to  the  very  small  population  of  the  county;  the  average 
value  per  year  being  about  as  follows: 

Grains  and  cereals $60,000.00 

Hay 80,000.00 

Vegetables  and  other  crops 50,000.00 

Township  28  S.,  R.  41  W. — This  is  a  fractional  township  adjoining  the 
Kansas  State  line.  It  is  a  high  rolling  prairie  adapted  for  stock  raising. 
There  are  two  small  creeks  in  the  township.  The  land  is  covered  with  a 
fair  stand  of  buffalo  grass.  There  is  some  dry  farming  in  this  district.  The 
soil  is  loamy.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Elevation,  3,600  feet.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 15  to  20  inches.     Twenty-eight  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  29  S.,  R.  41  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  gently  rolling 
prairie,  fairly  level  in  places.     The  soil  is  loamy,  covered  with  buffalo  and 

gramma  grasses.  This  township  is  crossed  by  Buffalo 'and  Bear  creeks.  Along 
ear  creek  are  groves  of  cottonwoods.  Value,  $5  to  12  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  16  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  3,600  feet.  Thirty-five  miles  from  rail- 
road. 

Township  30  S.,  R.  41  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land.  The  soil 
is  a  sandy  loam  covered  with  bunch  grass  and  yucca.  Value,  $3.50  to  $8 
per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  3,600  feet.  Forty 
miles  from  railroad. 

Township  32  S.,  R.  41  W. — This  is  a  good  dry  farming  district.  The 
surface  is  a  fairly  level  prairie.  Good  sandy  loam  soil.  No  surface  water. 
Value,  $6  to  $10  per  acre.  Covered  with  buffalo  grass.  Annual  rainfall,  10 
to  15  inches.     Elevation,  3,500  feet.     Fifty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  33  S.,  R.  41  W.— This  is  a  fractional  township  adjoining  the 
Kansas  state  line.  The  surface  is  nearly  a  level  prairie  with  a  gentle  slope 
north  and  northeast.  The  soil  is  a  good  sandy  loam  covered  with  buffalo 
grass.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  There  is  no  surface  water.  Annual  rainfall, 
10  to  15  inches.  Suitable  for  grazing  and  dry  farming.  Fifty  miles  from 
railroad. 


52  Baca  County 


Township  34  S.,  R.  41  W. — This  is  a  fractional  township  adjoining  tht 
Kansas  state  line.  This  township  is  crossed  by  the  Cimmaron  river.  The 
surface  is  a  rolling  prairie.  Along  the  river  bottoms  are  hay  lands  banked 
by  sand  hills.  In  those  portions  of  the  township  not  sandy,  grazing  is 
good.  Value,  $2  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation, 
3,600  feet.     Forty-five  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  30  S.,  R.  42  W. — The  surface  is  gently  rolling  mesa  land, 
located  in  the  artesian  belt  and  in  a  good  dry  farming  district.  Sandy  loam 
soil.  Well  covered  with  gramma  grass.  Value,  $7.50  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  16  to  20  inches.    Elevation,  3,600  feet.    Forty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  31  S.,  R.  42  W. — Part  of  this  township  is  level  with  a  good 
•andy  loam  soil;  the  rest  is  rolling  and  sandy.  It  is  located  in  the  best 
dry  farming  section  of  Baca  county.  Sand  arroyo,  which  crosses  the  town- 
ship, is  a  dry  gulch.  The  land  is  well  covered  with  buffalo,  gramma  grass 
and  soap  weed.  Value,  $4  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Elevation,  3,700  feet.     Forty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  33  S.,  R.  42  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  nearly  all  level 
prairie  with  a  loamy  sandy  soil.  No  surface  water.  Good  growths  of 
gramma  and  buffalo  grasses  during  the  wet  season.  Farming  and  grazing 
land.  Value,  $3,50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  16  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 3,800  feet.    Fifty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  34  S.,  R.  42  W. — This  township  is  crossed  by  the  Cimmaron 
river.  There  are  good  natural  meadows  along  the  river.  The  rest  of  the 
township  is  sand  hills  and  rolling  prairie.  It  is  covered  with  a  fair  growth 
of  native  grasses.  No  surface  water  outside  of  the  river.  Value,  $3.50  to 
$8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  3,800  feet.  Forty 
miles  from  railroad. 

Township  35  S.,  R.  42  W. — This  is  a  fractional  township  adjoining  the 
Oklahoma  state  line  on  the  southern  boundary  of  Colorado.  It  is  crossed  by 
the  Cimmaron  river.  There  are  some  good  lands  along  the  river.  The  rest 
is  sand  hills.  Vegetation,  mostly  bunch  grass  and  yucca.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5 
per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Forty  miles  from  railroad. 
Elevation,  3,600  feet. 

Township  28  S.,  R.  43  W. — This  is  high  prairie  land,  good  for  grazing. 
Little  Bear  creek  runs  along  the  northern  boundary  of  the  township  and 
Buffalo  creek  along  the  south  end,  furnishing  plenty  of  wateri  for  stock. 
Not  so  good  for  farming.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15 
to  20  inches.     Elevation,  3,900  feet.     Thirty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  30  S.,  R.  43  W. — This  township  is  crossed  by  Bear  creek.  It 
is  generally  rolling  prairie;  some  places  perfectly  level.  The  soil  varies  from 
a  sandy  loam  to  light  clay  loam.  It  is  in  a  good  dry  farming  district. 
Produces  good  crops  of  milo,  maize,  grain,  etc.  There  are  fine  groves  of 
Cottonwood  trees  along  Bear  creek.  Value,  $7  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 15  to  20  inches.    Elevation,  3,900  feet.    Forty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  32  S.,  R.  43  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  partially 
gently  rolling  and  partially  a  level  prairie.  There  are  some  dry  streams,  but 
no  surface  water.  The  soil  is  a  good  loam,  sandy  in  places.  It  is  located  in 
a  good  dry  farming  district  and  is  naturally  covered  with  a  good  growth  of  native 
grasses.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 4,000  feet.    Fifty  miles  from  railroad. 


Baca  County  53 


Township  33  S.,  R.  43  W.— The  surface  of  this  township  is  partially 
a  rolling  prairie  and  partially  level.  The  soil  is  mostly  loam.  Some  places 
a  sandy  loam  of  good  quality,  covered  with  a  fair  growth  of  native  grasses. 
There  is  no  surface  water.  If  irrigated  from  wells  or  cultivated  under 
modern  dry  farming  methods,  the  soil  in  this  township  would  produce  good 
crops.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation, 
4,000  feet.    Fifty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  34  S.,  R.  43  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  gently  rolling 

?rairie  land,  level  in  places,  covered  with  a  fair  growth  of  native  grasses, 
'he  soil  is  a  loam  of  fair  quality.  A  considerable  portion  could  be  cultivated. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  3,900 
feet.    Forty-five  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  35  S.,  R.  43  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling,  inclin- 
ing to  be  rough  and  hilly.  This  is  a  good  grazing  country,  covered  with 
bunch  grass  and  yucca.  Not  possible  to  irrigate  and  not  recommended  for 
farming.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 3,700  feet.    Forty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  28  S.,  R.  44  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  high  rolling 
prairie  land,  naturally  covered  with  a  fine  quality  of  gramma  and  buflfalo 
grass.  The  soil  is  sandy  loam  of  good  quality.  Most  of  the  township  is  in 
the  Two  Buttes  irrigation  district  and  irrigated  with  water  from  the  Two 
Buttes  reservior  on  Two  Butte  creek.  Value  vacant  lands,  $5  to  $8  per  acre. 
Annual  rainfall,  16  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Thirty  miles  from 
railroad. 

Township  29  S.,  R.  44  W. — This  township  is  located  in  the  Artesian  belt 
of  Baca  county.  The  surface  is  a  rolling  prairie  land  covered  "With  a  good 
growth  of  bunch  and  buflfalo  grass  of  fine  quality.  Horse  creek  crosses  the 
township  and  along  it  are  some  fine  groves  of  cottonwoods  and  meadow 
lands.  The  soil  is  principally  a  light  clay  loam.  Value,  $7.50  to  $10  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Thirty-five 
miles  from  railroad. 

Township  30  S.,  R.  44  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  a  rolling 
prairie.  Bear  creek  runs  along  the  southern  part,  along  which  are  fine  groves 
of  Cottonwood  timber.  Plenty  of  grass  of  good  quality  covering  the  town- 
ship. The  soil  is  light  clay  loam  or  hard  soil.  Plenty  of  water  in  Bear 
creek.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 4,000  feet.    Forty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  31  S.,  R.  44  W. — This  is  mostlj^  level  prairie  land  with  some 
sand  hills.  There  is  scattered  vegetation,  principally  bunch  and  buflfalo  grass. 
The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam  and  well  adapted  to  dry  farming  methods.  Value, 
$3.50  to  $7  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  12  inches.  Elevation,  4,000  feet. 
Forty-five  miles  from  railroad.    No  surface  water. 

Township  32  S.,  R.  44  W.— The  surface  is  level  and  gently  rolling 
prairie.  The  soil,  a  rich  sandy  loam,  in  some  places,  sandy;  well  covered 
with  a  good  quality  of  native  grass.  This  land  will  produce  broom  corn  and 
cane,  etc.  Value,  $6  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 4,000  feet.    No  surface  water.     Fifty-five  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  33  S.,  R.  44  W.— This  township  is  crossed  by  the  north  fork 
of  the  Cimmaron  river.  The  soil  is  generally  good,  but  sandy  along  the 
river.    Vegetation  mostly  buflfalo  grass.     Value,  $6  to  $6  per  acre.    Annual 


54  Baga  County 


rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Elevation,  4,100  feet.     No  surface  water.     Fifty 
miles  from  railroad. 

Township  34  S.,  R.  44  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  lerel  prairie 
land  with  now  and  then  a  few  sand  hills.  The  soil  is  generally  sandy  and 
produces  a  fairly  good  quality  of  buffalo  and  gramma  grass.  No  surface  water. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation, 
4,000  feet.     Fifty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  35  S.,  R.  44  W. — This  is  rolling  prairie  land  covered  with 
sage  brush,  buffalo  and  other  grasses.  Loamy  soil.  No  surface  water  for 
stock  or  irrigation.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  4,000  feet.     Fifty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  28  S.,  R.  45  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  a  high 
prairie  on  top  of  a  mesa.  It  is  well  covered  with  buffalo  and  gramma  grass. 
There  is  flowing  water  in  the  North  branch  of  Horse  creek,  which  crosses 
the  southern  portion  of  this  township.  The  soil  is  good  sandy  loam.  Value, 
$5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  4,100  feet. 
Thirty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  29  S.,  R.  45  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land,  crossed 
by  Horse  creek  and  its  branches.  There  are  fine  groves  of  cottonwoods 
along  the  creek.  A  fair  stand  of  buffalo  grass.  So  far  the  land  in  this 
township  has  been  used  for  grazing  only.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 15  to  20  inches.     Elevation,  4,100  feet.     Thirty-five  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  30  S.,  R.  45  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  gently  roll- 
ing prairie  or  table  land.  The  soil  is  a  nice  light  clay  loam.  Plenty  of 
water.  Good  grazing  in  this  township.  Cottonwood  timber  along  Bear 
creek.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 4,200  feet.     Forty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  31  S.,  R.  45  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  a  level 
prairie.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam  in  places  and  adobe  in  other  places.  It 
IS  second  rate,  but  capable  of  producing  excellent  crops.  Naturally  covered 
with  a  good  stand  of  buffalo  grass.  Cane  and  milo  maize  constitute  the 
principal  crops.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 4,200  feet.     Forty-five  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  32  S.,  R.  45  W. — A  part  of  this  township  is  rolling  and  a  part 
level.  The  soil  is  generally  rich  loam,  sandy  in  places.  Some  scattered  sand 
hills.  Vegetation,  bunch  grass  and  yucca  and  sage  brush.  No  surface 
water.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 4,200  feet.     Fifty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  33  S.,  R.  45  W. — Nearly  level  or  gently  rolling  prairie  land. 
The  soil  is  good,  mostly  a  sandy  loam.  The  township  is  drained  by  Dry 
Gulch  canyon,  the  north  fork  of  Cimmaron  river,  and  is  on  top  of  the  divide 
between  the  Cimmaron  and  Arkansas  rivers.  No  surface  water.  Good 
grass.  Value,  $5  to  $6  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation, 
4,200  feet.    Ffty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  34  S.,  R.  45  W. — This  is  gently  rolling  prairie  land.  Rough 
and  sandy  in  the  extreme  southern  portion.  Otherwise  good,  hard  sandy 
clar  soil,  producing  good  gramma  and  buffalo  grass.  No  surface  water.  This 
soil  would  be  very  productive  if  irrigated.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 
Rainfall,  10  to  Ifl  inchw.    El«vatioa,  4,200  feet.    Fifty  miles  from  railroatl. 


Baca  County.  55 


Township  35  S.,  R.  45  W. — A  fractional  township  on  the  southern 
lioundarj  of  Colorado  adjoining  the  Oklahoma  State  line.  Prairie  land,  cor- 
•red  with  a  fair  stand  of  buffalo  grass.  No  surface  water.  Good  stock  range. 
Value,  $5  to  $6  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  1§  inches.  Elevation,  4,200 
feet.     Fifty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  28  S.,  R.  46  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  principally 
high  gently  rolling  prairie,  well  covered  with  buffalo  and  gramma  grass. 
In  the  northern  part  of  the  township  is  Two  Buttes  reservoir.  Horse 
creek,  which  crosses  the  southern  part  of  this  township  is  a  dry  gulch. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation, 
4,300  feet.     Thirty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  29  S.,  R.  46  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  generally 
rolling.  It  is  crossed  by  a  branch  of  Horse  creek,  along  which  there  are 
Cottonwood  trees.  The  township  is  covered  with  good  grass.  It  is  in  the 
dry  farming  section.  Values,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20 
inches.    Elevation,  4,300  feet.     Thirty-five  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  30  S.,  R.  46  W. — The  surface  is  high,  rolling  mesa  land  crossed 
in  the  southern  portion  by  Bear  creek,  along  which  is  a  heavy  growth  of 
cottonwoods.  There  is  generally  plenty  of  water  in  the  creek.  Grass  in 
this  township  has  been  killed  by  drought.  Russian  thistles  have  taken  its 
place.  This  township  produces  good  dry  land  feed  crops.  The  soil  is  light 
clay  loam.  Value,  $6  to  $8  per  acre.  Springfield,  the  county  seat  of  Baca 
county,  is  located  in  this  township.  Rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation, 
4,400  feet.     Forty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  31  S.,  R.  46  W. — The  surface  is  partially  rolling  and  partially 
level  prairie  land  covered  with  an  abundant  growth  of  short  grasses.  This 
land  would  be  very  productive  if  irrigated.  Dry  farming  is  carried  on  with 
fair  success.  The  soil  is  loamy,  but  sandy  along  the  gulches.  Value,  $5  to 
$8  per  acre.  No  surface  water.  Elevation,  4,400  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15 
inches.     Forty-five  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  32  S.,  R.  46  W. — This  is  rolling  prairie.  The  soil  is  generally  a 
rich  loam,  but  sandy  in  places.  There  is  a  fine  growth  of  natural  grasses. 
No  surface  water,  but  water  can  be  obtained  by  drilling  from  75  to  300 
feet.  This  is  a  good  grazing  country  and  would  raise  excellent  crops,  if  irri- 
gated. Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  inches.  Elevation, 
4,400  feet.     Fifty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  33  S.,  R.  46  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land.  No  sur- 
face water.  The  soil  ranges  from  an  excellent  sandy  loam  to  almost  pure 
sand.  Water  obtained  only  from  wells.  Covered  with  a  fair  stand  of  Duf- 
falo  grass.  Value,  $5  to  $6  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  20  inches.  Eleva 
tion,  4,400  feet.    Fifty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  34  S.,  R.  46  W. — The  surface  is  partially  level  and  partially 
rolling  prairie.  In  general,  this  township  is  inclined  to  be  too  sandy;  in  some 
portions,  however,  the  soil  is  a  rich  loam.  No  surface  water,  but  water 
can  be  obtained  by  digging.  Covered  with  a  fair  stand  of  buffalo  grass. 
Value,  $5  to  $6  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  4,400 
feet.    Fifty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  35  S.,  R.  46  W. — The  surface  is  mostly  rolling  prairie  land 
with  a  few  small  mountains.  No  surface  water  excepting  in  springs  in  the 
northwest  corner  of  section  15.  The  soil  is  sandy  with  some  sand  hills. 
Used  for  sheep  grazing.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  20  inches. 
Elevation,  4,300  feet.    Fifty  miles  from  railroad. 


56  Baca  County 


Township  28  S.,  R.  47  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  generally 
high,  rolling  prairie  land.  Two  Butte  creek  runs  along  the  nortnern  boundary 
of  this  township.  Cottonwood  timber  along  this  creek.  This  township  ia 
rather  arid  and  not  extra  good  grazing  land.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.     Elevation,  4,500  feet.     Thirty  "miles  from  railroad. 

Township  29  S.,  R.  47  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  prairie,  gen- 
erally rolling.  The  soil  is  light  clay  loam.  Some  surface  water.  Good 
grazing  land  in  the  dry  farming  district.  Value,  $6  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  4,500  feet.  Thirty-five  miles  from  rail- 
road. 

Township  30  S.,  R.  47  W. — The  surface  is  gently  rolling.  Light  clay 
loam  soil.  Grood  buffalo  and  gramma  grass.  This  township  is  crossed  by 
Bear  creek  and  Cat  creek,  in  which  there  is  running  water  part  of  the  year. 
Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  4,500 
feet.     Forty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  31  S.,  R.  47  W. — ^Rolling  prairie  country.  The  soil  mostly 
adobe,  with  some  sandy  soil  intervening.  Excellent  grazing  country,  cover- 
ed with  short  grass  and  weeds.  Water  obtained  by  windmills  only.  Value, 
$3.50  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  4,500 
feet.     Fifty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  32  S.,  R.  47  W. — The  entire  township  is  rolling  prairie  with  a 
heavy  growth  of  grass  and  weeds.  Excellent  grazing  country.  Soil  ranges 
from  excellent  sandy  loam  to  very  sandy.  Water  obtained  only  from  wind- 
mills. Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 4,500  feet.     Fifty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  33  S.,  R.  47  W. — The  surface  is  partially  rolling  and  partially 
level  prairie,  covered  with  a  dense  growth  of  weeds  and  short  grass.  It  is 
an  excellent  grazing  country.  Water  obtained  from  windmills.  The  soil 
ranges  from  sandy  loam  to  sand.  This  soil  would  produce  abundant  crops,  if 
irrigated,  and  should  produce  good  crops  by  dry  farming  methods.  Value, 
$3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  18  inches.  Elevation,  4,500  feet. 
Fifty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  34  S.,  R.  47  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling 
prairie  land.  Some  parts  of  the  township  have  excellent  sandy  loam  soil  and 
dry  farming  on  this  land  might  prove  successful.  Other  portions  are  very 
sandy  and  useless  for  farming.  The  entire  township  is  covered  with  a  good 
growth  of  nutritious  grasses.  No  surface  water.  Water  is  obtained  only 
from  windmills.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  18 
inches.     Elevation,  4,500  feet.     Fifty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  35  S.,  R.  47  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  mostly  level 
prairie;  some  portions  are  slightly  rolling  with  the  west  range  of  sections 
broken  by  gulches  of  Red  canyon.  There  are  springs  and  natural  water  holes 
in  this  township.  It  is  fair  grazing  land,  covered  with  buffalo  and  bunch 
grass.  No  timber  in  this  vicinity.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall, 
15  to  18  inches.     Elevation,  4,400  feet.     Fifty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  28  S.,  R.  48  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  principally 
high  rolling  prairie.  Two  Butte  creek,  which  is  well  lined  with  cottonwoods, 
crosses  it  diagonally.  The  soil  is  a  light  clay  loam.  The  bottom  lands  along 
the  creek,  might  be  irrigated  by  pumping.  There  is  running  water  in  the 
creek  most  of  the  year.  Value,  $6  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20 
inches.    Elevation,  4,500  feet.    Thirty  miles  from  railroad. 


Baca  County  57 


Township  29  S.,  R.  48  W. — The  surface  is  high  rolling  prairie,  covered 
with  gramma  and  sand  grasses,  traversed  by  numerous  arroyos  and  water 
holes  and  adapted  naturally  for  grazing.  The  soil  is  a  light  clay  loam.  This 
section  has  been  overgrazed  by  sheep,  temporarily  injuring  the  range.  Value, 
$5  per  acre.     Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.     Elevation,  4,500  feet. 

Township  30  S.,  R.  48  W. — This  township  is  principally  high,  rolling 
plains,  traversed  by  sandy  arroyos.  The  sandy  bottoms  of  Bear  creek  are 
covered  with  a  good  growth  of  gramma  and  sand  grasses.  Well  adapted  for 
grazing.  Some  natural  water  holes,  but  no  running  streams.  Value,  $3.50 
to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  4,600  feet. 
Forty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township!  31  S.,  R.  48  W. — The  surface  is  level  and  gently  rolling 
prairies,  with  a  good  growth  of  weeds  and  short  grass.  The  soil  is  second- 
rate  adobe  and  sandy  loam.  No  surface  water,  but  can  be  obtained  by 
digging.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Elevation,  4,700  feet.     Forty-five  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  32  S.,  R.  48  W. — This  township  is  in  the  open  range  country. 
The  surface  is  rolling  and  covered  with  an  abundant  growth  of  buffalo 
grass.  Ideal  grazing  section.  Water  can  be  obtained  by  drilling  75  to  100 
feet.  The  soil  would  produce  well  if  irrigated.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  4,700  feet.  Fifty  miles  from 
railroad. 

Township  33  S.,  R.  48  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  partially 
rolling  and  partially  level  prairie,  covered  with  a  good  growth  of  weeds 
and  short  grass.  An  excellent  grazing  country.  The  soil  partially  adobe 
of  a  good  character  and  partially  sandy.  This  land  would  produce  fine  crops 
if  it  were  possible  to  irrigate  it  and  might  be  successfully  farmed  by  dry 
farming  methods.  There  is  no  surface  water,  but  it  can  probably  be  ob- 
tained anywhere  by  drilling  75  to  100  feet.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  An- 
nual rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  4,700  feet.  Fifty  miles  from  rail- 
road. 

Township  34  S.,  R.  48  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  mostly  roll- 
ing prarie;  some  portions  hilly.  There  is  a  good  growth  of  nutritious 
grasses.  There  are  natural  springs  in  the  southern  portion  of  the  township. 
Water  can  be  obtained  almost  anywhere  by  digging.  The  soil  is  a  sandy 
loam  and  adobe  of  good  quality.  It  could  probably  be  successfully  farmed 
by  dry  farming  methods.  Most  of  it  would  be  very  valuable  if  irrigated 
by  pumping.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Elevation,  4,500  feet.     Fifty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  35  S.,  R.  48  W. — Most  of  this  township  is  rough,  rocky  hills 
and  bluffs  with  good  grazing  lands  between.  It  is  crossed  by  numerous 
canyons  in  which  can  be  found  spring  and  water  holes.  A  few  scrub  cot- 
tonwoods  are  in  evidence.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall, 
15  to  20  inches.     Elevation,  4,500  feet.     Fifty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  28  S.,  R.  49  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  generally 
rolling  with  some  level  table  lands  broken  along  the  creeks  and  ravines. 
The  soil  is  a  light  clay  loam.  Plenty  of  surface  water  in  Two  Buttes  creek 
which  crosses  the  southeast  corner  of  the  township  and  its  tributaries. 
Along  Two  Buttes  creek  runs  the  old  original  Santa  Fe  trail.  This  is  good 
grazing  country.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 4,600  feet.     Thirty  miles  from  railroad. 


58  Baca  County 


Township  29  S.,  R.  49  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  generally 
rolling.  It  is  well  watered  by  Two  Buttes  creek,  which  crosses  the  town- 
ship  diagonally  and  in  which  there  is  running  water  the  year  round.  The 
soil  is  a  light  clay  loam.  This  is  a  good  grazing  section  and  used  at  th« 
present  time  for  sheep.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Elevation,  4,700  feet.     Thirty-five  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  30  S.,  R.  49  W. — The  surface  is  mostly  high  rolling  land, 
traversed  by  numerous  arroyos  with  scattering  water  holes.  While  the  soil 
is  second-rate,  the  grass  is  fairly  good,  consisting  of  gramma  and  sand 
grass.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation, 
4,800  feet.    Forty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  31  S.,  R.  49  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  covered  with 
an  abundant  growth  of  weeds  and  short  grasses.  There  is  no  surface  water 
but  water  can  be  secured  by  drilling.  The  soil  is  hard  clay  and  sandy  loam. 
This  land  would  be  very  productive,  if  it  could  be  irrigated  by  pumping  and 
should  produce  a  good  growth  with  modern  methods  of  farming,  without 
irrigation.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Elevation,  4,800  feet.     Forty-five  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  32  S.,  R.  49  W. — This  is  a  high  rolling  prairie  covered  with 
a  fair  quality  of  buffalo  and  sand  grasses.  There  is  water  in  most  of  the 
arroyas  part  of  the  year.  It  is  on  the  open  range  and  in  a  good  grazing 
country.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Annual  ramfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation, 
5,000  leet.     Fifty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  33  S.,  R.  49  W. — This  is  partially  rolling  and  partially  level 
prairie  with  some  mountain  ranges  in  the  southwest  part.  It  is  entirely 
covered  with  an  abundant  growth  of  short  grasses.  No  surface  water,  but 
same  can  be  obtained  by  drilling.  The  soil  is  a  fair  grade  of  adobe,  which 
would  be  very  productive  if  irrigated  by  pumps.  It  may  be  cultivated  suc- 
cessfully by  modern  dry  farming  methods.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 15  to  20  inches.     Elevation,  4,900  feet.     Fifty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  34  S.,  R.  49  W. — This  township  is  inclined  to  be  rough  and 
hilly,  with  a  poor  grade  of  timber  scattered  over  it.  The  surface  is  mostly 
covered  with  good  grazing  grass.  Water  can  be  obtained  at  a  depth  of 
150  feet,  although  there  is  no  surface  water.  Dry  farming  is  being  tried 
in  this  township.  Value,  $3,50  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Elevation,  4,800  feet.    Fifty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  35  S.,  R.  49  W. — This  township  is  mostly  rough  land  cut  by 
canyons  of  great  depth.  Water  is  found  in  springs  and  in  holes  along  the 
canyons.  There  is  little  cultivated  land  in  this  township.  Value,  $3.50  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  4,600  feet.  Fifty  miles 
from  railroad. 

Township  28  S.,  R.  50  W. — The  northeastern  portion  of  this  township  is 
a  rolling  prairie;  the  balance  is  a  broken,  rough  country,  covered  with  a 
fine  growth  of  cedar  trees.  Rule  creek  passes  through  deep  canyons,  afford- 
ing shelter  for  stock.  Grazing  is  excellent  and  it  is  used  for  a  sheep  range. 
Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  4,800 
feet.     Thirty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  29  S.,  R.  50  W. — This  township  is  crossed  by  Two  Buttts 
creek  and  is  one  of  the  best  watered  townships  south  of  the  Arkansas  river. 
Grazing  is  excellent.  In  the  southwest  part  of  the  township  is  a  fine  body 
of  cedar  trees,  making  excellent  winter  shelter  for  stock.     The  surface   «» 


Baca  County  59 


generally  level  prairie  land,  rough  and  hilly  in  places,  covered  with  buffalo 

?Tass.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  li  to  20  inches.     Eleva- 
ion,  4,800  feet.    Thirty-five  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  30  S.,  R.  50  W. — A  part  of  this  township  is  high  rolling  prairie 
with  good  gramma  and  bunch  grass.  The  rest  of  the  township  is  cut  by 
canyons  and  arroyos.  There  are  several  fine  springs  and  water  holes.  Value, 
$3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  5,000  feet. 
Forty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  31  S.,  R.  50  W. — The  surface  is  mostly  rolling  prairie.  The 
soil  is  sandy  and  of  very  good  quality.  Water  can  be  secured  by  drilling. 
This  land  would  be  very  productive,  if  irrigated,  and  probably  can  be  farmed 
successfully  by  modern  dry  farming  methods.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Forty-five  miles 
from  railroad. 

Township  32  S.,  R.  50  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land.  The  soil 
is  excellent,  covered  with  an  abundance  of  nutritious  grasses.  Water  can  be 
secured  by  drilling.  This  soil  would  produce  fine  crops  if  irrigated  by  pump- 
ing and  could  probably  be  successfully  farmed  by  modern  dry  farming 
methods.  It  is  in  the  open  range  country  and  used  principally  for  grazing. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation, 
6,000  feet.     Fifty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  33  S.,  R.  50  W. — Some  parts  of  this  township  are  rolling 
prarie,  but  most  of  it  is  rough  and  hilly.  The  soil  is  generally  hard  sandy 
clay  producing  good  gramma  and  buffalo  grass  during  the  wet  seasons. 
Some  surface  water.  In  the  open  range.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  An- 
nual rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Fifty  miles  from  rail- 
road. 

Township  34  S.,  R.  50  W. — This  township  is  partially  level  prairie 
land  with  a  hard  clay  and  sandy  soil  and  partially  rough  and  hilly,  being 
covered  with  dense  timber.  There  are  numerous  springs  and  water  holes 
in  this  township.  There  is  water  in  Carrizo  creek  the  year  round..  Farm- 
ing is  carried  on  at  present  to  a  very  limited  extent.  It  is  an  ideal  stock 
country  and  there  are  indications  of  mineral.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  4,800  feet.  Fifty  miles  from 
railroad. 

Township  35  S.,  R.  50  W. — This  is  a  fractional  township  on  the  southern 
border  of  Colorado  adjoining  the  New  Mexico  state  line.  In  the  eastern  part 
of  the  township  are  some  good  valleys,  suitable  for  farming.  There  is 
plenty  of  water  for  stock  throughout  the  township.  The  western  portion  is 
mountainous,  containing  some  scattered  timber.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  4,500  feet.  Fifty  miles 
from  railroad. 


BENT   COUNTY 

LAMAR  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  386,708  Acres. 
PUEBLO  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  62,294  Acres. 

Bent  county  is  located  in  the  southeastern  part  of  the  State  and  is 
crossed  by  the  Arkansas  river,  and  a  large  area  of  the  county  is  under  irriga- 
tion. The  Fort  Lyons  canal,  which  irrigates  most  of  the  land  under  water  in 
this  county,  is  the  largest  canal  in  the  State. 

Lately  there  has  been  considerable  settlement  on  the  bench  lands  above 
the  river,  and  farming  without  irrigation. 

The  soil  generally  over  the  county  is  of  good  quality.  It  is  naturally 
a  good  stock  country. 

The  approximate  annual  value  of  the  agricultural  products  at  the  present 
time  are  as  follows: 

Cereals   $175,000.00 

Hay 334,000.00 

Vegetables,  fruits  and  other  crops 200,000.00 

The  population  of  Bent  county  is  3,500.  Las  Animas,  the  county  seat,  has 
a  population  of  2,500. 

LAMAR  LAND  DISTRICT. 

Township  21  S.,  R.  48  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  nice,  level 
prairie  land,  with  a  good,  sandy  loam  soil;  slightly  rolling  in  places  and  cov- 
ered with  a  fair  growth  of  bunch  grass.  Most  of  the  township  is  under  ir- 
rigation. Distance  from  railroad,  two  miles.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $5  to  $20  per  acre. 

Township  23  S.,  R.  48  W. — The  Arkansas  river  and  railroad  run  along 
the  northern  boundary  of  this  township.  The  vacant  lands  are  rolling,  sandy 
prairie  lands,  south  of  the  river.  This  section  may  later  be  put  under  irriga- 
tion; it  is  fairly  level  and  would  be  valuable  land  if  watered.  At  present  of 
little  value  except  for  grazing  purposes.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Elevation, 
3,800  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 

Township  24  S.,  R.  48  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling,  prairie 
land,  with  a  light,  sandy  loam  soil.  Some  very  good  lands  vacant  here. 
Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Distance  from  railroad,  six  miles.  Elevation,  4,000 
feet.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 

Township  25  S.,  R.  48  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  generally  roll- 
ing prairie  land  with  a  sandy  loam  soil.  Fair  growth  of  grass;  very  little 
surface  water  in  this  township.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall, 
15  to  20  inches.    Distance  from  railroad,  twelve  miles.     Elevation,  4,000  feet. 

Township  26  S.,  R.  48  W. — This  township  lies  on  the  edge  of  Little  Cedar 
hills.  The  general  character  of  the  surface  is  rolling,  broken  by  gullies.  Very 
little  surface  water.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Value,  $4  to  $6  per  acre.  This  is  principally  grazing  land.  Digtanec  from  rail- 
road, eighteen  miles. 

Township  27  S.,  R.  48  W. — The  northern  part  of  this  township  is  composed 
of  limestone  hills;   the  southern  portion,  high  rolling  prairie  land.     A  good 


Bent  County  61 


graeinff  district.  Very  little  surface  water.  Distance  from  railroad,  twenty- 
five  miles.  Elevation,  4,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $4 
to  $8  per  acre.    This  is  principally  a  grazing  district. 

Township  21  S.,  R.  49  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  level,  prairie 
land  with  a  light  clay  loam  soil.  There  is  running  water  in  Limestone  creek 
most  of  the  year.  Distance  from  railroad,  three  miles.  Elevation,  4,000  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  22  S.,  R.  49  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  high  rolling 
prairie  land.  This  township  is  crossed  by  railroad,  also  by  the  high  line 
ditches  of  the  Fort  Lyons  Canal  system,  located  just  north  of  the  Arkansas 
river.  Value,  $8  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation, 
3,800  feet.    This  is  a  farming  section. 

Township  23  S.,  R.  49  W. — The  Arkansas  river  and  railroad  run  across 
the  northern  boundary  of  this  township.  Outside  of  the  river  bottoms,  the 
surface  is  fairly  level.  The  soil  is  a  light  sandy  loam.  Much  of  this  town- 
ship may  later  be  irrigated;  if  so,  the  land  will  become  valuable.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  3,800  feet.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  24  S.,  R.  49  "W. — A  rough,  rolling  township;  mostly  high  and 
arid.  There  are  large  pools  of  standing  water  along  Mud  creek  at  all  seasons. 
This  township  is  only  good  for  grazing  land.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Dis- 
tance from  railroad,  five  miles.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10 
to  20  inches. 

Township  25  S.,  R.  49  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling  prairie 
and  hills.  There  is  quite  a  little  surface  water  along  Mud  creek  all  the  year. 
Plenty  of  stock  water  in  the  the  townhsip.  Not  recommended  for  farming. 
Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Distance  from  railroad,  ten  miles.  Annual  rainfall, 
15  to  20  inches.    Elevation,  4,000  feet. 

Township  26  S.,  R.  49  W. — This  is  a  good  township  for  stock  raising  pur- 
poses. Plenty  of  water  in  the  creeks.  The  surface  is  gently  rolling,  but  broken 
along  the  creeks.  The  soil  is  sandy,  but  of  good  quality.  Value,  $4  to  $6  per 
acre.  Distance  from  railroad,  eighteen  miles.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 

Township  27  S.,  R.  49  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  an  open,  roll- 
ing prairie,  naturally  covered  with  good  grass.  The  soil  is  sandy  but  of 
good  quality.  The  surface  is  somewhat  broken  along  the  ravines.  Elevation, 
4,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Distance  from  a  roilroad,  twen- 
ty-five miles.  Value,  $4  to  $6  per  acre.  There  is  plenty  of  room  in  this 
township  for  a  whole  colony  to  settle. 

Township  21  S.,  R.  50  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land.  The 
growth  of  buffalo  and  bunch  grass  is  medium.  Just  north  of  the  Arkansas 
river,  along  the  southeastern  corner,  the  land  is  broken  and  lies  in  the 
limestone  hills.  In  general,  the  soil  is  of  fair  quality.  Surface  water  is  very 
scarce.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Distance 
from  railroad,  four  miles.    Value,  $5  to    $8  per  acre. 

Township  22  S.,  R.  50  W. — This  township  lies  just  north  of  the  Arkansas 
river.  The  northern  tier  of  sections  consists  of  low  hills  containing  a  good 
quality  of  limestone.  Very  little  of  the  land  in  this  township  is  suitable 
for  farming.  A  railroad  crosses  this  township,  also  the  Fort  Lyons  canal. 
Elevation,  4,000  f«et.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  1»  inoh«8.    Value,  $5  to  $15  per 


6^  Bent  County 


Township  23  S.,  R.  50  W. — The  Arkansas  river  and  railroad  crosses  the 
northern  portion  of  this  township.  South  of  the  river  the  surface  is  undulat- 
ing, with  some  buttes.  The  soil  is  loamy  and  covered  with  a  fair  growth  of 
native  grasses.  There  is  stock  water  in  Rule  creek.  This  township  is  mostly 
susceptible  to  irrigation.  Value,  $10  to  $18  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to 
15  inches.     Elevation,  4,000  feet. 

Township  24  S.,  R.  50  W. — A  very  attractive  section,  smooth,  excepting 
along  Caddoa  creek,  where  it  is  very  broken  and  rocky.  Good  building  sand- 
stone along  the  creek.  Fairly  well  grassed.  The  soil  is  a  light  clay  loam. 
Water  in  Caddoa  creek  only  during  the  wet  season.  Value,  $6  to  $10  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,000  feet,  Distance  from 
railroad,  four  miles. 

Township  25  S.,  R.  50  W. — A  good  grazing  and  dairying  district.  Not 
much  surface  water.  There  is  abundance  of  good  red  sandstone  along  Caddoa 
creek,  also  some  limestone.  This  township  could  not  be  irrigated.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Value,  $7  to  $10  per  acre. 
Distance  from  railroad,  ten  miles.  There  are  many  thousands  of  acres  here 
unclaimed. 

Township  26  S.,  R.  50  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  high,  rolling 
prairie  land,  quite  rough  in  portions.  The  grazing  is  excellent.  There  is  a 
spring  in  the  northeastern  corner  of  section  30.  Water  is  generally  scarce. 
Sandstone  in  abundance  along  the  branches  of  Caddoa  creek.  Value,  $4  to  $6 
per  acre.  Distance  from  railroad,  eighteen  miles.  Elevation,  4,300  feet.  An- 
ual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    This  township  is  nearly  all  vacant. 

Township  27  S.,  R.  50  W. — A  rough  and  broken  township,  covered  with 
excellent  native  grasses.  The  surface  is  cut  up  by  numerous  ravines  and 
rocky  canyons.  Not  suitable  for  farming,  but  excellent  grazing  and  dairying 
district.  Distance  from  railroad,  twenty- five  miles.  Elevation,  4,500  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $4  to  $6  per  acre.  Only  four  or  five 
settlers  in  the  entire  township  of  thirty-six  square  miles. 

Township  21  S.,  R.  51  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  generally 
level  prairie  land  in  an  open  range  country.  No  surface  water  except  in 
pools.  Good  natural  growth  of  bunch  and  buffalo  grass.  The  soil  is  of  fair 
quality.  Distance  from  railroad,  four  miles.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Out  of  the  thirty-six 
square  miles  in  this  township,  thirty-three  square  miles  are  vacant. 

Township  22  S.,  R.  51  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  gently  rolling 
prairie  land  just  north  of  the  Arkansas  river,  and  is  crossed  by  a  railroad. 
Most  of  the  township  is  under  cultivation.  The  soil  is  good,  being  partially  a 
sandy  loam  and  partially  a  clay  loam.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 10  to  15  inches.  Distance  from  Las  Animas,  the  county  seat,  two  miles. 
Value,  $7  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  23  S.,  R.  51  W. — The  Arkansas  river  and  railroad  cross  the 
northern  portion  of  this  township.  There  is  a  fine  fertile  valley  along  the 
river.  South  of  the  river  the  surface  consists  of  low,  sand  hills.  There  is 
no  surface  water.  Value,  $6  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  4,000  feet.  The  sanitarium  of  the  United  States  navy  is  located 
in  this  township,  on  the  north  bank  of  the  Arkansas  river.  Distance  from 
Las  Animas,  the  county  seat,  two  miles. 

Township  24  S.,  R.  51  W. — In  that  portion  of  this  township  lying  west 
of  Rule  creek  the  surface  is  fine,  level  land,  sloping  gently  eastward.  There 


Bent  County  63 


is  plenty  of  water  in  the  creeks.  The  soil  is  a  good  sandj^  loam.  This  is  a 
good  farming  section.  The  eastern  portion  of  the  township  is  more  broken, 
rolling  and  rocky.  The  soil  is  a  light  clay  loam.  This  township  is  located 
five  miles  from  Las  Animas,  the  county  seat,  and  four  miles  from  a  railroad. 
Annual  rainfall,  5  to  10  inches.  Value,  $5  to  $12  per  acre  in  cash.  Elevation, 
4,000  feet. 

Township  25  S.,  R.  51  W. — This  township  consists  of  a  good  quality  of 
prairie  land.  There  is  plenty  of  water  in  Rule  creek  and  scattering  groves  of 
cottonwoods  along  the  banks  of  the  creek.  Good  building  sandstone  is  to  be 
found  in  this  township.  The  surface  is  somewhat  broken  along  the  gulches. 
Good  clay  loam  soil.  Distance  from  railroad,  twelve  miles.  Elevation,  4,200 
feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  This  is  a  good  grazing  district.  Value, 
$5  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  26  S.,  R.  51  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling  and 
broken  prairie  lands,  close  to  the  edge  of  Cedar  hills,  a  non-irrigable  district. 
This  is  a  fine  stock-raising  and  dairying  country.  There  is  surface  water  in 
the  creeks  and  good  grass.  Good  sandstone  building  stone,  some  hard  and 
some  so  soft  it  slacks  like  lime.  Distance  from  a  railroad,  eighteen  miles. 
Value,  $4  to  $6  per  acre.  Elevation,  4,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20 
inches. 

Township  27  S.,  R.  51  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling  and 
broken  prairie  land  near  the  edge  of  Cedar  hills.  There  is  no  water  for  ir- 
rigation. Some  fairly  smooth  bottom  lands.  This  is  an  excellent  stock- 
raising  and  dairying  country.  Good  grazing  throughout.  Value,  $4  to  $8  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Distance  from  a  railroad,  twenty-five 
miles.      Elevation,  4,500  feet. 

Township  21  S.,  R.  52  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  level  prairie 
land  covered  with  a  medium  growth  of  buffalo  and  bunch  grass.  The  soil  is 
partially  a  hard  clay  and  partially  a  sandy  loam.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre. 
Located  five  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  4,100  feet.  Annual  rainfall, 
10  to  15  inches. 

Township  22  S.,  R.  52  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  mostly  level 
prairie  land,  over  which  water  can  be  easily  conveyed  for  irrigation.  The 
soil  is  a  rich  sandy  loam  producing  good  grasses,  and  under  cultivation 
good  crops  of  grain  could  be  raised.  Some  portions  of  the  township  are  high 
rolling  prairie  lands.  The  soil  on  these  lands  is  partially  a  sandy  loam  and 
sometimes  adobe.  These  portions  cannot  be  irrigated.  No  surface  water  in 
the  township.  A  railroad  crosses  the  southern  portion.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per 
acre.  Located  one  mile  from  Las  Animas,  the  county  seat.  Annual  rainfall, 
10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  4,000  feet. 

Township  23  S.,  R.  52  W. — The  Arkansas  river  and  railroad  crosses  this 
township  along  the  northern  boundary,  and  in  it  is  located  Las  Animas,  the 
county  seat.  There  is  fine,  rich  bottom  land  along  the  river  all  under  irri- 
gation. Value,  $10  to  $20  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 4,000  feet. 

Township  24  S.,  R.  52  W. — This  township  is  crossed  by  the  Picket  Wire 
river.  Most  of  it  is  under  irrigation.  The  surface  is  a  little  undulating  with 
loamy  soil,  covered  with  a  poor  growth  of  native  grasses.  There  is  no  sur- 
face water  outside  of  the  river.  Value,  $8  to  $10  per  acre.  Located  four  miles 
from  Las  Animas,  the  county  seat.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall, 
10  to  15  inches. 


64  Bent  County 


Township  25  S.,  R.  52  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  open  prairie 
lands  with  a  clay  loam  soil.  Portions  of  this  township  are  under  irrigation. 
This  is  a  farming,  dairying  and  stock-raising  section.  Elevation,  4,000  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Located  ten  milea 
from  a  railroad. 

Township  26  S.,  R.  52  W. — Outside  of  Muddy  Creek  valley,  this  township 
is  broken  and  rocky,  covered  with  a  fair  quality  of  cedar  trees.  There  are 
several  large  springs  in  the  township.  Within  the  open  range  country,  used 
for  sheep  grazing  at  the  present  time.  Not  suitable  for  cultivation.  Value, 
$4  to  $6  per  acre.  Distance  from  railroad,  fifteen  miles.  Elevation,  4,000  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  27  S.,  R.  52  W. — Along  Muddy  and  Johnnie  creeks  the  land  is 
low  and  nearly  a  level  plain.  Fine  grazing.  The  balance  of  the  township  is 
broken  and  rough,  covered  with  a  fair  quality  of  cedar  trees.  This  rough  land 
is  not  suitable  for  cultivation.  Value,  $5  to  $6  per  acre.  Located  twenty-one 
miles  from  a  railroad.    Elevation,  4,500  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 

PUEBLO    LAND    DISTRICT. 

Township  21  S.,  R.  53  W. — The  surface  is  partially  level  and  partially 
rolling  prairie  land,  covered  with  a  good  growth  of  natural  grass.  There 
is  some  excellent  soil,  varying  from  a  clay  loam  to  a  sandy  loam.  This  town- 
ship is  crossed  by  Adobe  creek,  dry  part  of  the  time.  Also  bv  the  supply 
canals  of  the  Fort  Lyons  Irrigation  system.  Elevation,  4,500  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  This  township  is  touched  on  a  corner  by  the  rail- 
road.   Value,  $5  to  $12  per  acre. 

Township  22  S.,  R.  53  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  prairie  land 
just  north  of  the  Arknasas  river.  It  is  partially  high  and  level  and  partially 
high  and  rolling.  There  is  a  fair  stand  of  buffalo  grass.  Pools  of  standing 
water  are  to  be  found  along  the  creeks.  This  township  is  crossed  by  rail- 
road. Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $5  to 
$10  per  acre. 

Township  23  S.,  R.  53  W. — This  township  is  crossed  by  the  Arkansas 
river  and  railroad.  The  northern  portion  along  the  river  is  irrigated.  The 
southern  portion  is  mostly  rough,  rolling,  sandy  land  without  surface  water. 
Suitable  only  for  grazing.  Value,  $6  to  $15  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to 
16  inches.     Elevation,  4,000  feet. 

Township  24  S.,  R.  53  W. — The  surface  is  rolling,  unirrigable  prairie  land 
with  a  clay  loam  soil.  This  township  is  recommended  only  for  grazing.  Ele- 
vation, 4,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  D'istance  from  railroad, 
three  miles.    Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  25  S.,  R.  53  W. — The  surface  is  broken  and  rough.  There  are 
some  good  lands  along  the  Picket  Wire  river,  which  crosses  this  townhsip 
diagonally.  The  soil  is  sandy.  There  is  no  surface  water.  This  township  is 
not  recommended  for  farming.  Distance  from  railroad,  ten  miles.  Elevation, 
4,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  26  S.,  R.  53  W.— Outside  of  the  valley  of  the  Picket  Wire  river, 
along  which  there  are  some  good  lands,  this  is  a  grazing  section  that  cannot 
be  irrigated  and  has  no  surface  water.  Elevation,  4,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall, 
10  to  15  inches.  Distance  from  a  railroad,  fifteen  miles.  Value,  $4  to  $8 
per  acre. 


Bent  County  65 


Township  27  S.,  R.  53  W. — This  township  is  just  on  the  edge  of  the  Cedar 
hills  at  the  headwaters  of  Muddy  creek  and  is  principally  prairie  land,  with 
some  broken,  hilly  sections  covered  with  a  fair  quality  of  cedars.  There  is  no 
water  except  in  springs  and  some  large  holes  of  standing  water  along 
Muddy  creek.  This  township  is  used  at  the  present  time  for  sheep  grazing. 
Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre.  Distance  from  a  railroad,  twenty  miles.  Elevation, 
4,500  feet.     Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 


BOULDER   COUNTY 

DENVER   LAND   DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  66,360  Acres. 

Boulder  county  is  located  in  the  north  central  portion  of  the  State. 
It  is  a  small  county,  about  twenty-five  by  thirty  miles  in  area.  Twelve 
miles,  on  the  eastern  edge  of  the  county,  is  high-class  agricultural  land; 
very  fertile  and  well  tilled;  the  rest  of  the  county  in  the  western  portion 
raises  to  the  crest  of  the  great  Continental  divide  and  is  very  precipitous 
and  mountainous,  it  is  a  stock  growing  and  mining  district, 

Boulder  county  is  an  attractive  place  to  live  in.  Boulder,  the  county 
seat,  is  a  beautiful  city  of  about  10,000  people  and  is  the  location  of  the 
Colorado  State  university.  The  next  town  of  importance  in  the  county  is 
Longmont,  with  a  population  of  5,000. 

Boulder  county  offers  good  opportunities  for  those  seeking  to  purchase 
improved  or  partially  improved  lands,  but  has  little  to  offer  those  looking 
for  vacant  lands  open  for  homestead  entry.  The  only  vacant  lands  in  the 
county  are  rough,  mountainous,  with  very  small  area  suitable  for  agricul- 
tural purposes.  The  approximate  value  per  year  of  the  agricultural  products 
in  Boulder  county  is  as  follows: 

W  lieat  and  other  cereals $900,000.00 

Hay     700,000.00 

Vegetables,  fruits  and  other  crops 600,000.00 

Township  1  S.,  R.  70  W. — Section  17  is  located  on  top  of  a  rocky  hill 
covered  with  boulders.     It  is  second-rate  grazing  land.     Value,  $3.60  per  acre. 

Township  2  N.,  R.  70  W. — The  northwest  ^4  of  Section  6  is  located  on 
top  of  Red  hill,  a  limestone  butte.  It  is  second-class  grazing  land.  Value, 
$3.50  per  acre. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  70  W.— There  are  between  2,000  to  3,000  acres  vacant 
in  this  township.  It  is  located  on  top  of  rough  and  rocky  hills  and  it  is  of 
no  value  except  as  second-rate  grazing  land.     Value,  $3.50  per  acre. 

Township  1  S.,  R.  71  W. — The  surface  is  broken  and  mountainous. 
There  are  scattered  patches  of  pine  and  spruce  timber.  There  is  some  good 
grazing  land.  This  township  is  crossed  on  the  south  by  the  railroad.  Value, 
$3.50  to  $6  per  acre.     Elevation,  6,000  to  8,000  feet. 

Township  1  N.,  R.  71  W. — The  surface  is  broken  and  precipitious.  There 
is  some  pine  timber.  This  is  an  old  established  mining  district,  and  there 
are  no  available  homestead  lands  in  this  township.  Elevation,  6,000  to  8,000 
feet.     There  are  vacant  mineral  lands. 

Township  2  N.,  R.  71  W. — This  township  is  mountainous.  The  surface 
is  very  broken  and  percipitious.  It  is  an  old  established  mining  district. 
While  there  is  lots  of  vacant  land,  it  is  worthless  for  agricultural  purposes 
and  could  not  be  taken  up  for  stock  raising,  as  it  is  mineral  land  and  sub- 
ject only  to  mineral  entry. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  71  W. — The  vacant  lands  in  this  township  are  rough, 
rocky  and  mountainous.  These  lands  would  not  interest  anyone  seeking 
a  place  to  file  on  a  homestead. 


Boulder  County  67 


Township  1  S.,  R.  72  W. — The  surface  is  mountainous  with  occasional 
meadow  and  grazing  lands.  There  is  a  scattered  growth  of  timber.  More 
or  less  mining.  There  is  only  a  little  vacant  land  left  in  this  township  and 
that  is  both  rocky  and  worthless,  except  for  grazing.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per 
acre.  The  railroad  crosses  the  southern  part  of  the  township.  It  is  well 
watered. 

Township  1  N.,  R.  72  W. — While  there  is  considerable  vacant  land  in  this 
township,  the  high  elevation,  rough,  rocky  character  of  the  surface,  makes 
it  worthless  for  agriculture.  This  is  an  old  established  mining  district  and 
homestead  entries  could  not  be  made  here. 

Township  2  N.,  R.  72  W. — The  surface  is  mountainous  throughout. 
There  is  quite  a  growth  of  pine  timber  in  spots.  There  are  a  number  of 
small  natural  lakes.  Some  meadows  and  open  mesa  land  that  can  be  cul- 
tivated. Elevation  too  high  for  successful  farming.  Very  doubtful  if  any 
open  land  worth  taking  can  be  found  in  this  township.  For  grazing  pur- 
poses the  land  is  worth  about  $4  per  acre.  Located  one  mile  from  the  rail- 
road.    Elevation,  8,500  feet. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  72  W. — The  surface  is  rough  and  broken.  There  are 
very  narrow  valleys  along  the  streams.  There  are  some  open  parks.  There 
is  some  very  good  agricultural  land  in  this  township  and  excellent  graz- 
ing over  most  of  it.  It  is  doubtful  if  any  open  land  exists  worth  taking. 
There  is  small  scattered  timber  and  plenty  of  water.  Elevation  is  very 
high.  Summer  season  is  very  short.  Located  eight  miles  from  the  rail- 
road.    Value,  $3.50  to  $6  per  acre.     Elevation,  8,000  feet. 

Township  1  N.,  R.  73  W. — Sections  1  and  12  of  this  township,  the 
only  portions  not  included  in  the  Colorado  national  forest,  are  on  high 
rocky  hills  just  west  of  the  town  of  Ward.  It  is  mineral  land  only,  and 
worthless  for  agriculture  or  grazing  purposes. 

Township  2  N.,  R.  73  W. — This  township  is  all  included  in  the  Colorado 
national  forest.  It  is  rough  and  mountainous.  Settlers  have  applied  for 
homestead  entries  in  this  territory  and  failed  to  prove  up  on  them,  they 
have  therefore  reverted  to  the  government  and  can  be  entered  in  the  usual 
way,  instead  of  through  a  special  provision  of  the  homestead  act.  Owing 
to  the  high  altitude,  thisf  land,  including  some  little  meadows,  would  be 
worthless,  except  for  stock  raising. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  73  W. — This  township  is  very  rough  and  mountain- 
ous. All  except  the  extreme  eastern  portion  is  included  in  the  Colorado 
national  forest.  This  township  is  well  watered  with  streams  and  lakes. 
There  is  quite  a  growth  of  timber.  Suitable  only  for  grazing.  Value,  $5 
to  $12  per  acre.  Located  twenty  miles  from  the  railroad.  It  is  located 
just  south  of  the  famous  Long's  peak.  The  extreme  elevation  makes  the 
season  short  and  the  land  of  little  value  excepting  for  stock  raising.  Eleva- 
tion, 8,000  to  10,000  feet. 


CHAFFEE   COUNTY 

LEADVILLE    LAND   DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  90,396  Acres. 

Chaifee  county  is  located  in  the  central  part  of  the  State.  It  is  walled  in 
on  all  sides  by  high  mountain  ranges;  the  center  of  the  county  being  the  upper 
valley  of  the  Arkansas  river.  The  mountainous  portions  are  included  in  the 
National  Forests  and  are  heavily  timbered.  There  is  considerable  metal  mining 
carried  on  in  small  mining  camps  in  these  mountains. 

The  county  seat  is  Buena  Vista,  a  very  attractive  city  of  1,000  people. 
Salida,  with  a  population  of  4,500,  is  the  largest  town  in  the  county.  It  is  the 
location  of  large  railroad  shops,  smelters  and  other  industries. 

The  principal  resources  of  Chaffee  county  are  mining  and  stock  raising. 
The  agricultural  production  per  year  being  about  as  follows: 

Cereals  and  grains $100,000.00 

Hay 125,000.00 

Vegetables  and  other  crops 50,000.00 

The  population  of  Chaffee  county  is  8,000. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  77  W. — A  rough  and  mountainous  township,  broken 
with  sandstone  ridges.  There  is  good  grass;  also  sufficient  water  in  ordinary 
seasons.  Some  fine  timber.  Suitable  only  for  grazing.  Value,  $5  per  acre. 
Elevation,  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  This  township  is  nearly 
all  included  in  the  Leadville  National  Forest. 

Township  13  S.,  R.  78  W. — A  very  rough  and  mountainous  township,  all 
included  in  the  Leadville  National  Forest  except  a  little  strip  in  the  extreme 
southeastern  corner  along  the  Arkansas  river.  There  are  no  vacant  lands  of 
any  value  in  this  township. 

Township  14  S.,  R.  78  W. — Buena  Vista,  the  county  seat,  is  located  in  this 
township.  There  are  some  fair  agiicultural  lands  along  the  creeks  and  river 
bottoms,  and  good  grazing  everywhere.  Some  timber.  The  northeast  and 
eastern  portions  are  hilly  and  rough,  with  indications  of  mineral.  This  town- 
ship is  crossed  by  two  railroads.  Value,  $5  to  $12  per  acre.  Elevation,  8,000 
feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  78  W. — This  township  contains  considerable  excellent 
farming  land  along  the  valley  of  the  Arkansas  and  in  other  portions.  Much  of 
the  surface  consists  of  elevated  plateaus,  covered  with  timber;  some  portions 
affording  excellent  grazing.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Crossed  by  a  railroad. 
Elevation,  7,500  feet.     Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  12  S.,  R.  79  W. — This  township  is  very  rough  and  mountainous. 
There  is  a  narrow  valley  along  the  river  with  good  bottom  lands.  The  rest  of 
the  township  is  included  in  the  Leadville  National  Forest.  Elevation,  8,500 
feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Crossed  by 
two  railroads. 

Township  13  S.,  R.  79  W. — The  western  portion  of  this  township  is  included 
in  the  Leadville  National  Forest  and  is  mountainous.  In  the  eastern  edge  lies 
a  narrow  valley  along  the  Arkansas  river.  Elevation,  8,500  feet.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  This  township  is  crossed  by 
railroad. 


Chaffee  County  69 


Township  14  S.,  R.  79  W. — The  western  portion  of  tliis  township  is  covered 
by  the  Leadville  National  Forest,  and  is  rough  and  mountainous.  The  eastern 
portion  lies  partially  in  the  narrow  valley  along  the  Arkansas  river  and  par- 
tially in  the  foothills.  The  elevation  is  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  inches. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.    Located  two  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  79  W. — All  of  this  township  except  the  extreme  north- 
eastern portion  is  rough  and  mountainous  land  included  in  the  Leadville 
National  Forest.  Tlie  portion  outside  of  the  forest  is  rough,  broken  foothills, 
covered  with  sagebrush.  Grazing  land  only.  Located  five  miles  from  a  rail- 
road.   I]levation,  8,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  49  N.,  R.  7  E. — A  rough,  mountainous  township,  all  included  in 
the  Cochetopa  National  Forest  with  the  exception  of  the  eastern  and  northern 
portions,  consisting  of  rough  foothills.  Valuable  only  for  grazing  purposes. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  8,000 
feet.    This  township  is  close  to  a  spur  railroad. 

Township  50  N.,  R  7  E. — All  except  the  southeastern  portion  of  this  town- 
ship is  included  in  the  Cochetopa  National  Forest.  Lying  in  the  rough  foot- 
hills. This  is  a  barren  section  and  not  fit  even  for  grazing.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5 
per  acre.  Elevation,  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  This  town- 
ship is  crossed  by  a  railroad. 

Township  49  N.,  R.  8  E. — The  southern  part  of  this  township  is  rough  and 
mountainous,  suitable  only  for  grazing.  It  is  included  in  the  San  Isabel 
National  Forest.  In  the  northern  portion  along  the  Arkansas  river  are  some 
line  bottom  lands.  Tlie  remainder  of  the  township  is  medium  quality  of  graz- 
ing land.  Value,  $3,50  to  $5  per  acre.  Crossed  by  railroad.  Elevation,  7,000 
feet.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 

Township  50  N.,  R.  8  E. — There  is  very  little  good  land  in  this  township, 
except  along  the  Arkansas  river  bottom.  A  little  cedar  and  piiion  timber  is 
in  evidence  on  the  rough  and  hilly  land,  outside  of  the  river  bottoms.  The 
bottom  land  is  all  taken.  Value,  $3  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to 
15  inches.    Elevation,  7,000  feet.    This  township  is  crossed  by  a  railroad. 

Township  51 — N.,  R.  8  E. — The  portion  of  this  township  east  of  the 
Arkansas  river  is  partially  broken  by  ridges  and  ravines;  the  rest  is  also 
broken,  but  covered  with  good  grass,  affording  splendid  pasturage  both  winter 
and  summer.  A  large  part  of  the  township  can  be  irrigated  from  the  Arkansas 
river.  There  is  some  fine  agricultural  land  along  Brown  creek,  which  furnishes 
plenty  of  water  for  irrigation.  There  are  some  mines  in  this  townsliip.  Value, 
$4  to  $10  per  acre.  Elevation,  7,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Crossed  by  railroad. 

Township  49  N.,  R.  9  E — A  very  rough  section  of  hills  and  mountains 
covered  with  pinion  and  pine.  There  is  a  little  good  farming  land  in  the  north- 
western part  along  Bear  creek.  There  are  indications  of  copper  in  this  town- 
ship. Crossed  by  a  railroad.  Elevation,  7,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  inches. 
Value,  $4  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  50  N.,  R.  9  E. — In  this  township  is  located  Salida.  Most  of  the 
township  is  rough  and  hilly.  In  the  northeastern  portion  is  a  first-rate  agri- 
cultural district,  being  smooth  prairie  land  sloping  to  the  river,  which  fur- 
nishes unlimited  water  supply.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10 
to  15  inches.    Elevation,  7,000  to  9,000  feet. 

Township  51  N.,  R.  9  E. — This  is  a  rough  and  mountainous  district  with 
good  grass.  There  is  some  timber  in  portions.  Located  four  miles  from  a 
railroad.  Elevation,  9,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  inches.  This  is  not  an 
agricultural  township,  but  affords  fair  grazing.    Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre. 


CHEYENNE   COUNTY 

HUGO   LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  65,060  Acres. 
LAMAR  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  30,135  Acres. 

Cheyenne  county  is  located  in  the  extreme  eastern  portion  of  Colorado, 
adjoining  the  Kansas  state  line.  It  is  located  entirely  on  the  prairie,  and  is 
crossed  centrally  by  railroad. 

There  is  very  little  fanning  by  irrigation  in  tliis  county,  but  considerable 
is  done  without  irrigation.  It  is  in  a  district  that  has  been  very  rapdly  settled 
up  recently.  This  is  due  to  the  fact  tliat  lands  formerly  used  for  grazing  are 
being  developed  into  agricultural  lands,  and  are  raising  crops  every  year  with- 
out irrigation. 

Cheyenne  Wells  is  the  county  seat,  witli  a  population  of  350.  This 
county  is  about  30x60  miles  in  area,  with  a  total  population  of  only  5,000. 

The  products  of  Cheyenne  county  farms  have  been  rapidly  increasing  of 
late  years;  the  last  official  figures  for  1910  were  as  follows: 

Grain $100,000.00 

Hay 75,000.00 

Vegetables  and  other  crops 25,000.00 

HUGO    LAND    DISTRICT 

Township  12  S.,  R.  43  W. — This  township  is  rolling  prairie  land,  traversed 
by  Big  Timber  creek  and  its  tributaries,  which  drain  southeast.  The  soil  is  a 
light  clay  loam,  quite  productive  with  sufficient  moisture.  There  is  a  growth 
of  native  grass.  This  is  a  good  grazing  section.  Water  is  obtained  in  wells  at 
a  depth  of  150  to  200  feet  and  is  of  good  quality.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre. 
Distance  from  railroad,  seven  miles.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall, 
15  to  20  inches. 

Township  13  S.,  R.  43  W. — The  surface  of  tliis  township  is  level,  gently 
rolling  prairie.  The  soil  is  a  light  clay  loam  and  quite  productive  of  forage 
crops,  suitable  for  semi-arid  regions.  Grazing  is  good.  Water  can  be  found  at 
a  depth  of  from  150  to  200  feet.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Elevation,  4,000 
feet.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Distance  from  railroad,  two  miles. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  43  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  level,  prairie 
land,  traversed  by  small  dry  creeks  in  the  northern  and  southern  portions. 
The  soil  is  a  light  clay  loam,  producing  forage  crops  suitable  to  the  semi-arid 
regions.  There  is  a  good  growth  of  grass.  Water  can  be  obtained  at  a  depth 
of  150  feet,  and  is  of  good  quality.  Located  four  miles  from  a  railroad.  Ele- 
vation, 4,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  15  inches.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  12  S.,  R.  44  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  level,  in  some 
parts  rolling  prairie.  The  soil  is  a  light  clay  loam,  covered  with  a  good  growth 
of  natural  buffalo  grass.  Under  cultivation  this  soil  will  produce  forage  crops. 
Water  of  good  quality  is  found  at  a  depth  of  150  to  200  feet.  Located  eight 
miles  from  a  railroad.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall  15  to  20 
inches.     Elevation,  4,200  feet. 

Township  13  S,,  R.  44  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  level,  gently 
rolling  prairie  land.  The  soil  is  a  light  loam  along  the  creek.  Water  of  good 
quality  is  found  at  a  depth  of  100  to  200  feet.    When  cultivated,  the  soil  will 


Cheyenne  County  71 


f reduce  forage  crops.    Elevation,  4,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  15  inches.    Value, 
5  to  $8  per  acre.    Located  two  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  44  W. — This  township  is  a  rolling  prairie,  with  drainage 
in  a  general  eastern  direction.  The  soil  is  a  light  clay  loam,  when  cultivated 
produces  good  forage  crops.  There  is  a  good  growth  of  natural  grass,  making 
this  township  suitable  for  grazing  purposes.  Water  can  be  found  at  a  depth 
of  100  feet.  No  running  water  in  the  township.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre, 
located  two  miles  south  of  Cheyenne  Wells,  the  county  seat.  Elevation,  4,200 
feet.    Annual  rainfall  10  to  15  inches.    Distance  from  railroad  two  miles. 

Township  12  S.,  R.  45  "W. — Tliis  township  is  a  high,  level,  gently  rolling 
prairie.  Most  of  the  land  is  used  for  grazing  purposes.  Crops  usually  do  well 
here.  Good  water  can  be  had  at  a  depth  of  150  to  200  feet.  Located  ten  miles 
from  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  15  inches.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Eleva- 
tion, 4,000  feet. 

Township  13  S.,  R.  45  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  gently  rolling, 
level  prairie  land.  The  soil  is  a  light  clay  loam  with  a  good  stand  of  natural 
grass.  This  land  is  suitable  for  cultivation.  There  is  a  good  quality  of  water 
found  at  a  depth  of  125  to  200  feet.  Land  sells  in  this  township  at  from  $5  to 
$20  per  acre.     Elevation,  4,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  14  S.,  R.  45  W. — This  township  is  gently  rolling  prairie  land. 
The  soil  is  a  light  clay  loam.  Water  can  be  found  at  a  depth  of  from  150  to 
200  feet.  There  is  no  surface  water.  Good  hard  soil,  well  adapted  to  dry 
farming,  and  is  covered  with  a  good  growth  of  buffalo  grass.  Value,  $10  to 
$15  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Crossed 
by  railroad. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  45  W.— The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling  prairie 
land.  The  soil  is  a  dry,  thin,  clay  loam.  Water  can  be  obtained  by  digging 
wells  at  a  depth  of  from  200  to  300  feet.  There  is  a  good  growth  of  buffalo 
grass,  and  stock-raising  has  been  the  principal  industry  until  recently,  when 
dry  farming  began  to  be  practiced  with  a  considerable  degree  of  success. 
Farm  improvements  of  a  permanent  character  are  being  made  by  settlers. 
Value,  $10  to  $15  per  acre.  Located  two  miles  from  a  railroad.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  4,000  feet. 

Township  12  S.,  R.  46  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  level  prairie 
land.  Good  water  can  be  obtained  in  wells,  but  at  considerable  depth.  The 
soil  is  a  dry,  light,  clay  loam  and  adapted  to  farming.  There  is  an  excellent 
growth  of  buffalo  grass,  affording  good  pasturage.  Located  ten  miles  from  a 
railroad.  Elevation,  4,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  inches.  Value,  $5  to  $8 
per  acre. 

Township  13  S.,  R.  46  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling  prairie 
land.  This  is  a  grazing  country,  with  dry  farming  being  practiced  with  good 
success.  There  is  no  surface  water,  but  it  can  be  obtained  by  digging  wells. 
Located  four  miles  from  a  railroad.  Value,  $5  to  $15  per  acre.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 15  inches.    Elevation,  4,500  feet. 

Township  14  S.,  R.  46  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  high,  gently 
rolling  table  lands.  The  land  is  of  good  quality  and  conditions  are  favorable 
for  dry  farming  methods.  Pasturage  is  excellent.  Water  is  found  by  digging 
wells  of  considerable  depth.  This  township  is  crossed  by  a  railroad.  Value, 
$5  to  $20  per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  15  inches.     Elevation,  4,500  feet. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  46  W. — This  township  lies  partially  on  a  high,  level 
table  land.     Water  is  found  at  a  considerable  depth  in  wells  throughout  the 


72  Cheyenne  County 


township.  The  surface  is  covered  with  a  good  growth  of  buffalo  grass.  Dry 
farming  is  being  practiced  here.  Located  two  miles  from  a  railroad.  Value, 
$5  to  $18  per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  4,000  feet. 

Township  12  S.,  R.  47  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  high,  gently- 
rolling  prairie,  with  a  dry  soil  of  light,  rough,  clay  loam  character,  well 
adapted  to  dry  farming;  the  soil  is  covered  with  a  natural  growth  of  buffalo 
grass.  There  is  no  surface  water,  but  water  of  excellent  quality  can  be 
obtained  by  digging  wells.  Crops  are  usually  good.  Located  ten  miles  from  a 
railroad.  Value,  $5  to  $15  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  inches.  Elevation, 
4,500  feet. 

Township  14  S.,  R.  47  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  level,  rolling 
prairie  land;  the  western  part  lying  in  the  flats.  Good  crops  can  be  raised 
without  irrigation  even  in  the  dry  seasons.  In  the  eastern  portion  good  water 
is  obtained  at  a  depth  of  150  feet.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam.  Value,  $10  to  $15 
per  acre.  This  township  is  crossed  by  a  railroad.  Elevation,  4,000  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  57  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  high  prairie 
land,  level  and  gently  rolling;  all  suited  for  grazing  and  dry  farming.  Some 
portions  are  sandy,  but  this  soil  retains  the  moisture  and  withstands  consider- 
able droughts.  Big  Sandy  creek  carries  considerable  water  in  flood  times,  but 
is  dry  at  other  times.  There  is  no  timber,  except  a  few  scattered  groves  of 
cottonwoods  along  Big  Sandy  creek.  There  is  a  distinct  tracing  of  alkali  in 
the  water.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  This  township  touched  by  the  railroad. 
Elevation,  4,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  12  S.,  R.  48  W, — The  surface  of  this  township  is  gently  rolling 
prairie  land,  somewhat  broken  along  the  creeks.  Wells  have  to  be  dug  150  feet 
in  depth;  the  water  is  of  excellent  quality.  This  is  a  dry  farming  district, 
and  crops  are  usually  good.  The  surface  is  naturally  covered  with  good  buffalo 
sod.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam.  Located  twelve  miles  from  a  Tailroad.  Eleva- 
tion 4,500  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  15  inches.     Value,  $5  to  $15  per  acre. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  48  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling,  sandy 
prairie  south  of  Big  Sandy  creek,  and  level  prairie  land  north  of  Wild  Horse 
creek.  The  creeks  crossing  this  township  are  dry,  excepting  at  flood  times. 
The  entire  township  is  suitable  for  grazing  and  dry  farming.  The  soil  is 
sandy,  but  retains  moisture  a  considerable  length  of  time;  withstanding 
droughts  better  than  a  clay  loam.  The  water,  with  a  few  exceptions,  shows 
distinct  tracings  of  alkaline.  Value,  $8  to  $15  per  acre.  This  township  is 
crossed  by  a  railroad.     Elevation,  4,000  feet.     Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  12  S.,  R.  49  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  high,  rolling 
prairie  land,  broken  by  numerous  dry  creek  bottoms.  There  is  considerable 
outcroppings  of  limestone  and  gypsum  along  the  creeks  in  the  northeastern 
portion.  In  the  west  the  lands  are  not  as  badly  broken.  There  is  no  running 
water.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam,  producing  a  good  growth  of  grass;  how- 
ever, it  is  below  the  average  in  quality.  This  is  a  good  stock  range.  Value, 
$5  to  $10  per  acre.  Located  ten  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  4,500 
feet.     Annual  rainfall,  15  inches. 

Township  13  S.,  R.  49  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling  and 
partially  level,  prairie  land,  with  some  low,  rolling  sand  hills  in  Sections  14 
and  15.  There  are  springs  and  water  holes  along  the  creek,  but  no  running 
water  except  in  flood  time.  Good  well  water  is  obtained  at  a  depth  of  100 
to  150  feet.  The  land  is  covered  with  good  buffalo  grass.  This  land  is  well 
adapted  to  grazing,  but  not  recommended  for  farming.  Distance  from  rail- 
road, five  miles.  Elevation,  4,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 


Cheyenne  County  73 


Township  12  S.,  R,  50  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  gently  rolling 
prairie.  In  the  dry  creek  bottoms  are  springs  and  water  lioles.  There  is  no  run- 
ning water.  The  soil  in  most  places  is  a  rich,  sandy  loam,  producing  a  fine 
quality  of  grass.  Corn  and  wheat  is  raised  to  some  extent.  Water  is  found  at  a 
depth  of  from  14  to  100  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,500 
feet.     Value,  $8  to  $15  per  acre.     Distance  from  railroad,  ten  miles. 

Township  13  S.,  R.  50  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  varies  from  a 
level  to  rolling  prairie  land.  The  soil  throughout  is  a  good  clay  loam  produc- 
ing grains  to  a  fair  degree.  The  surface  is  naturally  covered  with  a  good 
stand  of  bufl'alo  grass,  making  this  a  splendid  grazing  country.  Water  can 
be  obtained  at  a  depth  of  100  feet.  There  is  no  water  in  the  creeks  except- 
ing in  flood  times.  Value,  $8  to  $15  per  acre.  Located  two  miles  from  a 
railroad.     Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Elevation,  4,500  feet. 

Township  14  S.,  R.  50  W. — The  northern  portion  of  this  township  is 
nearly  level,  with  a  clay  loam  soil.  Plenty  of  water  in  Big  Sandy  creek 
for  stock.  The  southern  portion  is  made  up  of  sandy  prairies  and  sand  hills, 
with  plenty  of  water  lying  close  to  the  surface.  Alfalfa  is  raised  success- 
fully without  irrigation  in  the  creek  basin,  where  water  occurs  at  a  shallow 
depth.  Stock  raising  is  the  principal  industry  at  present.  Value,  $5  to  $20 
per  acre.  This  township  is  crossed  by  a  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.     Elevation,  4,500  feet. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  50  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  high,  sandy 
prairies,  broken  at  intervals  by  low  sand  hills.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam, 
with  a  subsoil  of  sand,  thus  retaining  the  moisture.  Dry  farming  is  being 
carried  on  with  success.  The  surface  is  covered  with  an  excellent  growth 
of  buffalo  and  bunch  grass.  This  is  a  good  grazing  district.  Distance  from 
railroad,  one  mile.  Value,  $5  to  $12  per  acre.  Elevation,  4,500  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  12  S.,  R.  51  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  gently,  roll- 
ing prairie  in  the  southern  portion  and  low  sand  hills  in  the  northern  por- 
tion. The  soil  varies  from  second  to  fourth  rate.  There  are  several  springs 
along  Wild  Horse  creek,  but  no  water  that  flows  above  the  surface.  The 
soil  produces  a  good  growth  of  grass.  This  section  is  well  adapted  to  graz- 
ing purposes.  Distance  from  railroad,  six  miles.  Elevation,  4,800  feet.  An- 
nual rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.     Value,  $6  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  13  S.,  R.  51  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  gently  rolling 
prairie  land.  There  is  no  surface  water,  but  good  water  can  be  obtained  at 
a  depth  of  from  100  to  200  feet.  The  soil  is  good  and  producing  a  fair 
quality  of  natural  grass  and  crops  of  wheat,  corn  and  forage  when  cultivated. 
Along  Arroyo  creek  water  is  found  at  a  depth  of  from  5  to  10  feet  below  the 
surface.  This  township  is  touched  by  a  railroad.  Elevation,  4,500  feet.  An- 
nual rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $6  to  $12  per  acre. 

Township  14  S.,  R.  51  W. — This  township  is  crossed  east  and  west  by 
Big  Sandy  creek  and  a  railroad.  The  southern  portion  consists  of  sandy, 
prairies  broken  at  intervals  by  low  sand  hills.  North  of  the  creek  the  surface 
is  nearly  level  prairie.  The  soil  is  well  adapted  in  this  township  to  dry 
farming.  Excellent  grains  are  raised  in  the  river  bottoms  under  natural  con- 
ditions. Water  is  found  close  to  the  surface  anywhere  in  the  basin  of  the 
Big  Sandy  creek.  Value,  $6  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  4,500  feet. 


74  Cheyenne  County 


LAMAR  LAND  DISTRICT. 

Township  16  S.,  R.  42  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  high,  level 
prairie,  slightly  broken  in  the  southwestern  portion,  also  in  the  northern. 
There  is  no  water  in  the  township  except  as  taken  from  wells  at  a  depth  of 
from  160  to  200  feet.  The  soil  is  a  dry,  light,  rough  clay  loam  about  twelve 
inches  in  depth  and  is  quite  productive,  when  properly  cultivated;  it  is  un- 
derlaid with  a  subsoil  of  stiff  clay.  This  is  naturally  an  excellent  grazing 
township.  Distance  from  railroad,  ten  miles.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  16  S.,  R.  43  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  practically 
level  prairie  land,  although  gently  rolling  in  places.  The  soil  is  a  dark  clay 
loam  of  about  medium  texture,  with  a  clay  subsoil.  A  dense  growth  of  short 
buffalo  grass  covers  the  entire  township,  affording  good  grazing.  Dry  farm- 
ing is  practiced  in  this  township  with  some  success.  Water  is  obtained  by 
boring  wells  160  feet  deep.  Distance  from  railroad,  eight  miles.  Elevation, 
4,000  feet.     Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Value,  $5  to  $15  per  acre. 

Township  16  S.,  R.  44  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  gently  roll- 
ing prairie  land.  The  soil  throughout  being  a  brown  clay  loam,  of  from  six 
to  twelve  inches  deep  and  of  medium  texture,  with  a  clay  subsoil.  A  thick 
growth  of  buffalo  grass  covers  the  entire  township.  Well  water  of  poor 
quality  and  containing  much  alkali  is  obtained  by  boring  wells  from  a  depth 
of  50  to  300  feet.  This  is  a  dry  farming  district.  Distance  from  railroad, 
eight  miles.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 
Elevation,  4,000  feet. 

Township  16  S.,  R.  45  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  level  and 
gently  rolling  prairie  land  in  the  northern  portion;  the  southern  portion  is 
rolling  with  a  soil  of  brown  clay  loam  of  from  eight  to  fourteen  inches  in 
depth  and  of  medium  texture  with  a  subsoil  of  clay.  In  the  northern  por- 
tion the  soil  is  a  sandy  loam  of  fine  texture,  with  a  dry  sandy  subsoil.  The 
township  is  covered  with  a  heavy  growth  of  buffalo  grass.  Water,  which  is 
obtained  only  by  boring,  is  strongly  alkaline.  The  land  in  this  township  is 
suitable  for  dry  farming.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to 
15  inches.     Elevation,  4,000  feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  eight  miles. 

Township  16  S.,  R.  46  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  level  and 
gently  rolling  prairie  land,  sloping  gradually  to  the  south.  The  soil  in  the 
northern  portion,  is  a  stiff  clay,  but  is  quite  sandy  in  some  places;  it  is  of 
medium  texture  with  a  clay  subsoil.  In  the  remaining  portion  of  the  town- 
ship the  soil  is  a  light,  sandy  loam  of  from  eight  to  fifteen  inches  deep  and 
of  a  medium  texture,  with  a  dry  clay  subsoil.  There  is  a  heavy  growth  of 
buffalo  grass  covering  the  entire  township.  Water  is  obtained  by  boring 
wells  to  a  depth  of  200  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  eight  miles.  Eleva- 
tion, 4,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per 
acre. 

Township  16  S.,  R.  47  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling  prairie 
land  with  a  number  of  sand  hills,  sloping  gently  south.  The  soil  is  sandy 
and  light  in  color;  it  is  of  fair  texture  and  dry,  being  on  a  sandy  subsoil. 
There  is  a  thick  growth  of  short  buffalo  grass  covering  the  entire  township, 
affording  excellent  pasturage  for  several  hundred  head  of  cattle.  Water  of 
good  quality,  containing  only  a  slight  trace  of  alkali,  is  obtained  by  sink- 
ing wells  10  to  150  feet.  There  are  a  few  cottonwood  trees  along  Big  Sandy 
creek.  Distance  from  railroad,  six  miles.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  4,000  feet.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 


Cheyenne  County  75 


Township  16  S.,  R.  48  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling  prairie 
in  the  northern  portion,  and  more  rolling  hills  in  the  southern  part.  The 
soil  is  a  light,  sandy  loam  of  fine  texture,  on  a  clay  subsoil.  There  is  a 
thick  growth  of  buffalo  grass  covering  the  entire  township,  affording  good 
grazing.  A  few  scattering  cottonwoods  are  found  along  Rush  creek.  Water 
of  a  fair  quality  is  obtained  by  sinking  wells  60  to  200  feet.  A  portion  of 
this  township  is  under  cultivation.  Distance  from  railroad,  five  miles. 
Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per 
acre. 

Township  16  S.,  R.  49  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  composed  of 
rolling  prairies  and  low  sand  hills.  The  soil  is  a  light,  fine  grained  sand  mixed 
with  clay  in  places,  on  a  clay  subsoil.  A  heavy  growth  of  buffalo  grass 
mixed  with  scattering  short  sage  brush  covers  the  entire  township.  Water 
is  obtained  at  a  depth  of  ten  feet  along  Rush  creek,  and  at  a  depth  of  200 
feet  in  higher  portions  of  the  township.  No  water  in  Rush  creek  during  the 
summer  season.  There  are  a  few  scattering  cottonwoods.  This  is  mostly  a 
grazing  country,  although  some  land  is  cultivated.  Distance  from  railroad, 
three  miles.  Elevation,  4,300  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value, 
$4  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  16  S.,  R.  50  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling  prairie 
and  low  sand  hills.  The  soil  is  a  light,  dry,  fine  grain  sand  on  a  clay  sub- 
soil. The  entire  township  is  covered  with  a  good  growth  of  buffalo  grass 
mixed  with  a  fair  quality  of  short  sage  brush.  There  are  a  few  scattering 
cottonwoods  along  the  dry  bottoms  of  Rush  creek.  The  water  is  of  poor 
quality,  containing  a  large  amount  of  alkaline;  it  is  found  at  a  depth  of 
from  five  to  ten  feet,  along  this  creek.  Only  a  small  area  of  the  township 
is  under  cultivation.  Distance  from  railroad,  eight  miles.  Elevation,  4,500 
feet.     Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  16  S.,  R.  51  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  partially 
rolling  and  partially  level  prairie  land.  The  soil  in  the  southern  portion 
consists  of  a  light,  sandy,  clay  loam,  eight  to  twelve  inches  in  depth,  of  a 
medium  texture  and  is  on  a  subsoil  of  clay.  The  soil  of  the  northern  por- 
tion is  a  light,  fine  grain  sand.  A  good  growth  of  buffalo  grass  and  scat- 
tering short  sage  brush  covers  the  township.  A  few  scattering  cottonwoods 
grow  along  Rush  creek,  which  is  a  dry  creek.  Good  water  can  be  obtained 
by  sinking  wells  to  a  depth  of  100  to  200  feet.  Alkali  water  is  obtained 
along  the  creek  at  a  depth  of  five  to  ten  feet.  This  is  chiefly  a  grazing 
township,  although  dry  farming  is  practiced  with  some  success.  Distance 
from  railroad,  four  miles.  Elevation,  4,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.    Value,  $6  to  $12  per  acre. 


CLEAR   CREEK   COUNTY 

DENVER  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  79,811  Acres. 

Clear  Creek  county  is  located  on  the  eastern  slope  of  the  Great  Continental 
divide,  high  up  among  the  mountains.  Nearly  the  entire  county  is  included 
in  the  Pike  national  forest.  This  is  not  an  agricultural  county.  There  are 
a  few  little  mountain  ranches  and  a  little  stock  range,  but  no  opportunities 
for  settlers  desiring  to  homestead. 

Clear  Creek  county  has  been  famous  as  a  producer  of  gold  and  silver  for 
many  years.  At  Idaho  Springs  are  located  the  famous  radium  hot  springs, 
whose  water  possesses  great  medicinal  values  for  the  treatment  of  rheumatism 
and  other  diseases. 

A  detailed  description  of  the  vacant  land  in  this  county  will  be  omitted, 
as  the  open  lands  are  either  mineral  lands,  subject  to  entry  only  as  mining 
claims,  or  grazing  lands  worth  from  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 


CONEJOS   COUNTY 

DEL  NORTE  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  193,828  Acres. 

Conejos  county,  pronounced  "co-ne-us,"  is  located  along  the  southern 
boundary  of  Colorado,  adjoining  the  New  Mexico  state  line.  It  is  in  the  south- 
ern end  of  San  Luis  valley  and  is  bounded  by  the  Rio  Grande  Del  Norte  on 
the  east  and  the  Continental  divide  on  tlie  west. 

This  is  a  good  agricultural  district  with  a  large  area  under  irrigation. 
The  foothills  and  mountainous  districts  are  used  for  grazing  sheep  and  cattle. 

Conejos,  the  sounty  seat,  has  a  population  of  350.  Antonito,  the  largest 
town,  has  a  population  of  1,000.     The  total  population  of  the  county  is  12,000. 

The  approximate  value  per  year  of  the  agricultural  products  in  Conejos 
county  is  as  follows: 

Grains    $600,000.00 

Hay    400,000.00 

Vegetables    75,000.00 

Township  35  N.,  R.  5  E. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  very  rough, 
rocky  and  mountainous.  The  soil  is  generally  'third  rate.  There  is  a  scat- 
tering growth  of  spruce  and  pine  timber,  and  a  number  of  running  streams. 
The  only  vacant  lands  are  best  suited  for  grazing.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre. 
Elevation,  9,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  25  inches.  Distance  from  railroad, 
twenty-two  miles. 

Township  34  N.,  R.  6  E. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  mountainous, 
rough  and  broken.  There  are  large  bodies  of  fine  pine  and  spruce  timber  and 
a  thick  growth  of  aspen.  The  only  stream  is  the  La  Jara  river,  which  is 
bordered  with  high,  steep  bluffs.  Grazing  land  well  suited  for  sheep  and 
goats,  but  not  for  cattle  or  horses.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Elevation, 
9,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  20  inches.     Distance  from  railroad,  ten  miles. 


Conejos  County  77 


Township  35  N.,  R.  6  E. — This  entire  township  is  rough  and  mountainous. 


excepting  the  extreme  western  part,  which  is  an  open  mesa,  used  for  shee 
grazing.     Annual  rainfall,  20  inches.     Elevation,  8,500  to  10,000  feet.     Value, 
$3.50  to  $5  per  acre.    Distance  from  railroad,  fifteen  miles. 

Township  36  N.,  R.  6  E. — This  township  is  mountainous  and  heavily  tim 
bered  with  spruce,  pine  and  aspen.     It  is  all  included  in  the  Rio  Grande  na- 
tional forest,  with  the  exception  of  a  narrow  strip  along  the  Alamosa  river. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.     Annual  rainfall,   15  to  20   inches.     Elevation, 
8,500  to  10,000  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  fifteen  miles. 

Township  32  N.,  R.  7  E. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rough  and 
mountainous  with  an  abundance  of  good  timber.  There  are  some  desirable 
open  parks  and  valleys.  There  is  good  grazing  over  all,  and  especially  along 
the  creeks.  Used  for  sheep  grazing  at  the  present  time.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to 
20  inches.  Elevation,  8,500  to  9,000  feet.  This  township  is  nearly  all  in- 
cluded in  the  Rio  Grande  national  forest.  It  lies  on  the  extreme  southern 
boundary  of  Colorado,  adjoining  the  New  Mexico  state  line,  and  is  touched 
by  railroad.     Value,  $3.50  per  acre. 

Township  33  N.,  R.  7  E. — This  is  rough,  mountainous  land  with  the  ex- 
ception of  a  fertile  and  well  watered  valley,  of  which  section  28  is  the  center. 
This  township  is  located  in  the  foothills  and  aside  from  the  valleys  is  grazing 
land.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  No  stock  water.  Elevation,  8,500  to  9,500 
feet.    Annual  rainfall,  fifteen  inches.    Distance  from  railroad,  five  miles. 

Township  34  N.,  R.  7  E. — This  township  is  crossed  by  the  La  Jara  river 
and  is  good  grazing  land.  In  most  parts  the  soil  is  of  fair  quality.  Some 
scattering  pine  and  pinon  timber.  Some  sage  brush  land ;  also  some  bottom 
land.  Used  at  the  present  time  for  sheep  grazing.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per 
acre.  Elevation,  8,500  to  9,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  inches.  Distance 
from  railroad,  ten  miles. 

Township  35  N.,  R.  7  E. — This  township  is  located  in  the  foothills.  It  is 
largely  rough,  hilly  land  best  suited  for  grazing.  There  is  good  grass  through- 
out. Some  scattering  pine  and  pinon.  In  sections  6  and  7  there  are  hot 
springs  and  a  hot  creek  flows  from  them.  Elevation,  8,000  to  9,000  feet.  An- 
nual rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Distance  from  railroad,  ten  miles.  Value, 
$3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  36  N.,  R.  7  E. — The  eastern  portion  of  this  township  is  rolling 
land.  The  soil  of  good  quality.  There  is  not  much  timber  or  water.  The 
western  portion  is  in  the  foothills  and  is  principally  valuable  for  grazing. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre.  Elevation,  8,000  to  9,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall, 
ten  inches.    Distance  from  railroad,  twelve  miles. 

Township  32  N.,  R.  8  E. — This  township  is  on  the  extreme  southern  bor- 
der of  Colorado,  adjoining  the  New  Mexico  state  line.  It  is  on  a  high,  barren 
mesa;  very  stony  with  little  pasture.  Mexicans  occupy  all  of  the  habitable 
portions.  This  township  is  crossed  by  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  8  to  12 
inches.     Elevation,  8,000  feet. 

Township  33  N.,  R.  8  E. — A  fair  portion  of  this  township  is  excellent  bot- 
tom lands,  situated  along  the  Conejos  river.  In  other  portions  there  are 
some  good  trout  streams.  The  northwestern  portion  consists  of  high  table  land 
with  medium  quality  soil.  A  scattering  growth  of  cottonwood,  pinon  and 
scrub  cedar.  There  are  outcroppings  of  iron  ore  on  the  table  land  in  several 
places.  Value,  $5  to  $7  per  acre.  Elevation,  8,000  to  9,000  feet.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 10  inches.  This  district  is  settled  principally  by  Mexicans.  Crossed  by 
railroad. 


78  Conejos  County 


Township  34  N.,  R.  8  E. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling  prairie 
land;  alkaline  in  places.  Poor  grazing  land.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Eleva- 
tion, 8,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  ten  inches.  Distance  from  railroad,  three 
miles. 

Township  35  N.,  R.  8  E. — A  small  portion  of  this  township  consists  of 
bottom  lands;  the  remainder  is  rolling  uplands.  There  is  a  hot  water  creek 
in  sections  17  and  18.  The  only  timber  is  a  few  scattering  cottonwoods. 
Value  of  the  vacant  land,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  under  10 
inches.     Elevation,  8,000  feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  four  miles. 

Township  32  N.,  R.  9  E. — This  township  is  on  the  extreme  southern 
boundary  of  Colorado,  adjoining  the  New  Mexico  state  line.  It  is  crossed  by 
railroad.  The  vacant  lands  lie  on  a  gravelly  mesa  and  are  worthless  for 
agriculture  and  stock  raising.  Annual  rainfall,  under  10  inches.  Elevation 
8,500  feet. 

Township  32  N.,  R.  10  E. — The  surface  of  this  township  comprises  rolling, 
hilly,  rough,  broken  and  mountainous  land.  There  is  some  fair  grazing  land 
used  for  sheep  grazing  and  occupied  by  Mexicans.  Elevation,  8,000  feet.  An- 
nual rainfall,  10  inches.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Distance  from  railroad,  three 
miles. 

Township  33  N.,  R.  10  E. — The  vacant  lands  in  this  township  are  uplands, 
rolling  and  hilly.  The  soil  is  a  medium  quality.  This  township  is  better 
adapted  for  grazing  than  for  cultivation.  There  is  a  scattering  growth  of 
pinons  and  cottonwoods.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  5  to  10 
inches.    Elevation,  8,000  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  four  miles. 

Township  34  N.,  R.  10  E. — There  is  some  very  good  farming  land  in  the 
rich  bottom  lands  along  the  Conejos  river.  The  uplands  in  the  eastern  part  of 
the  township  are  generally  hilly  and  second  rate,  only  suitable  for  grazing. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  5  to  10  inches.  Elevation,  8,000 
feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  three  miles. 

Township  35  N.,  R.  10  E. — The  land  along  the  river  is  fine  bottom  land. 
The  rest  of  the  township  is  a  sterile,  alkaline  prairie,  barren  of  all  vegetation 
but  sage  brush.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  5  to  10  inches.  Ele- 
vation, 8,000  feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  three  miles. 

Township  32  N.,  R.  11  E. — On  the  extreme  southern  boundary  of  Colo- 
rado, adjoining  the  New  Mexico  state  line.  This  township  is  covered  with 
high  hills  and  canyons.  Some  good  grazing  lands.  Fair  timber.  Much  vol- 
canic rock.  Some  stock  water.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Elevation,  8,000  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  inches.    Distance  from  railroad,  ten  miles. 

Township  33  N.,  R.  11  E. — The  land  of  this  township  is  very  poor;  it  is 
mostly  covered  with  volcanic  rock  and  but  little  soil.  Used  for  sheep  grazing. 
Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Elevation,  8,000  to  9,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  ten 
inches.    Distance  from  railroad,  ten  miles. 

Township  34  N.,  R.  11  E.— This  township  lies  principally  in  the  San  Luis 
hills.  The  surface  is  rolling  and  covered  with  lava.  Some  parts  are  quite 
rough  and  mountainous.  Third  rate  soil.  Grazing,  poor.  Value,  $3.50  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  inches.  Elevation,  8,000  to  9,000  feet.  Distance 
from  railroad,  ten  miles. 

Township  35  N.,  R.  11  E. — The  vacant  lands  in  this  township  lie  in  what 
is  called  the  foothills.  The  soil  is  poor  and  is  only  good  for  grazing  land. 
Used  for  sheep  pasture  at  the  present.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Elevation,  8,000 
feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  inches.    Distance  ^XQW:  railroad,  eight  roile§. 


COSTILLA  COUNTY 

Costilla  county,  pronounced  Cos-te-a,  is  located  in  the  extreme  southern 
portion  of  Colorado,  adjoining  the  New  Mexico  state  line.  This  county  cov- 
ers the  east  portion  of  the  San  Luis  Valley.  It  is  walled  in  on  the  extreme 
east  by  the  Culebra  range  of  mountains  and  the  entire  county  forms  a  por- 
tion of  the  Sangre  de  Cristo  grant,  being  a  tract  of  land  granted  by  the  king 
of  Spain  to  one  of  his  subjects,  at  the  time  this  territory  belonged  to  Spain. 
The  land  in  this  county,  therefore,  is  all  under  private  ownership  and  not 
open  to  entry.  The  owners  of  the  estate  have  placed  the  land  on  the  market 
during  the  last  few  years,  constructing  a  railroad  and  several  irrigation 
systems. 

The  county  is  settling  up  fairly  rapidly.  San  Luis  is  the  county  seat, 
with  a  population  of  500. 

The  approximate  value  per  year  of  the  agricultural  products  in  Costilla 
county  is  as  follows: 

Grains    $160,000.00 

Hay 125,000.00 

Vegetables  and  other  crops    20,000.00 


CROWLEY  COUNTY 

PUEBLO  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  183,524  Acres. 

Crowley  county  is  located  in  the  southeastern  part  of  the  State,  thirty 
miles  east  of  the  city  of  Pueblo  and  on  the  north  side  of  the  Arkansas  river. 

The  southern  part  of  the  county  is  a  very  fertile,  highly  cultivated,  irri- 
gated district.  It  is  the  location  of  a  large  sugar  factory  and  an  important 
producing  point  for  sugar  beets,  grains,  fruits,  etc. 

The  northern  portion  of  the  county  is  comparatively  a  level  plain  with 
very  little  surface  water,  but  sufficient  rainfall  to  produce  crops  by  dry 
farming  methods.    It  is  a  good  natural  range  with  fine  grass. 

The  lands  in  this  county  are  all  close  to  a  railroad  and  should  prove 
very  attractive  to  the  settler.  While  the  general  character  of  the  soil  is 
sandy,  it  has  been  demonstrated  that  sandy  soil  is  the  most  productive  of 
all  soils  on  the  plains  and  holds  the  moisture  well. 

Ordway,  with  a  population  of  800,  is  the  county  seat.  Sugar  City,  with 
a  population  of  800,  is  the  next  city  of  importance. 

Township  18  S.,  R.  55  W. — The  surface  is  rolling.  The  soil  is  of  medium 
quality.  This  is  good  grazing  land  with  a  fairly  good  supply  of  surface 
water.  A  few  cottonwood  trees  are  to  be  found  along  the  creeks.  Value, 
$5  to  $8  per  acre.  Twelve  miles  from  the  railroad.  Elevation,  4,700  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 


80  Crowley  County 


Township  19  S.,  R.  55  W. — The  surface  is  gently  rolling.  The  soil  is  light 
clay  loam.  There  is  a  large  amount  of  grazing  land.  Six  miles  from  the 
railroad.  Value,  $3,50  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 4,500  feet. 

Township  20  S.,  R.  55  W. — The  surface  is  gently  rolling  prairie  land. 
The  soil  is  a  light  clay  loam.  There  is  no  surface  water.  There  is  some  very 
good  grazing.  The  railroad  crosses  the  extreme  southeast  corner  of  the  town- 
ship. Rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,500  feet.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per 
acre. 

Township  18  S.,  R.  56  W. — The  surface  is  level  and  soil  of  fair  quality. 
There  is  no  running  water  in  this  township.  The  grass  is  generally  good. 
Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Located  thirteen  miles  from  the  railroad.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Elevation,  4,500  feet. 

Township  19  S.,  R.  56  W. — The  surface  is  very  level  with  some  rolling 
bluffs  along  Horse  creek.  The  soil  along  the  creek  is  very  sandy  and  covered 
with  sage  brush.  The  creek  is  dry.  The  balance  of  the  township  com- 
prises very  good  land,  covered  with  good  grass.  There  is  very  little 
water.  Located  seven  miles  from  the  railroad.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Elevation,  4,300  feet. 

Township  20  S.,  R.  56  W. — The  surface  is  very  level.  The  soil  is  of 
medium  quality  and  is  covered  with  buffalo  grass.  There  is  no  surface  water. 
Located  one  mile  from  the  railroad.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Elevation,  4,000  feet. 

Township  22  S.,  R.  56  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  mostly  level; 
the  southern  part  slightly  rolling.  The  soil  is  a  light  clay  loam  in  places, 
and  adobe  soil  in  others.  Fine  grazing.  Two  miles  from  railroad.  Value, 
$7  to  $12  per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  4,000  feet. 

Township  18  S.,  R.  57  W. — The  surface  is  quite  level  and  well  covered 
with  a  heavy  growth  of  buffalo  grass.  There  is  no  surface  water.  Fifteen 
miles  from  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,700  feet. 
Value,  $5  to  $12  per  acre. 

Township  19  S.,  R.  57  W. — The  surface  is  level  prairie  land  covered  with 
a  fair  stand  of  buffalo  grass.  There  is  no  surface  water  in  the  township 
except  in  pools  along  the  creeks.  Nine  miles  from  railroad.  Value,  $8  to  $12 
per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Elevation,  4,500  feet. 

Township  20  S.,  R.  57  W. — The  surface  is  generally  level  and  is  covered 
with  a  fair  growth  of  bunch  grass.  The  soil  is  clay  and  sandy  loam.  Three 
miles  from  railroad.  Value,  $6  to  $10  per  acre.  Elevation,  4,500  feet.  Rain- 
fall, 10  to  15  inches. 

Township  21  S.,  R.  57  W. — This  township  consists  principally  of  bottom 
lands  along  the  river,  which  are  farming  lands  of  first  quality  and  prac- 
tically all  under  irrigation.  The  uplands  are  covered  with  a  fair  growth 
of  native  grasses  and  sage  brush.  There  is  no  stock  water  on  the  uplands. 
Value,  $6  to  $12  per  acre.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches. 

Township  18  S.,  R.  58  W. — The  surface  is  gently  rolling  prairie  land. 
Soil  is  light  and  sandy.  There  is  no  surface  water.  Sixteen  miles  from 
railroad.  Value,  $6  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 4,800  feet. 


Crowley  County  81 


Township  19  S.,  R.  58  W. — The  surface  is  mostly  level,  with  some  roll- 
ing and  some  mesa  land.  There  is  no  surface  water.  Good  grazing.  Ten 
miles  from  railroad.  Value,  $6  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.    Elevation,  4,500  feet. 

Township  20  S.,  R.  58  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land.  The  soil 
is  dark  and  heavy.  There  is  some  good  buffalo  and  bunch  grass.  Very 
little  water.  Some  of  the  land  in  this  township  could  be  irrigated  with 
pumps  which  would  make  it  good  agricultural  land.  Five  miles  from  the 
railroad.  Value,  $6  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 4,500  feet. 

Township  21  S.,  R.  58  W. — The  surface  is  partly  level  and  partly  rolling 
prairie  land.  There  are  some  cottonwood  trees.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam. 
Railroad  crosses  the  southern  portion  of  this  township.  A  large  proportion 
of  this  township  is  under  a  canal.  There  are  considerable  vacant  lands  in  the 
upland  district.  Value,  $6  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  4,000  feet. 

Township  18  S.,  R.  59  W. — The  surface  is  prairie  land.  In  this  township 
the  soil  is  sandy  and  below  the  average.  There  is  no  surface  water.  Eighteen 
miles  from  railroad.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.     Elevation,  5,000  feet. 

Township  19  S.,  R.  59  W. — The  surface  is  high  and  level  land.  The  soil 
is  sandy.  There  is  quite  a  growth  of  bunch  and  buffalo  grass  of  fair  quality. 
No  surface  water.  Thirteen  miles  from  the  railroad.  Value,  $6  to  $12  per 
acre.     Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Elevation,  4,800  feet. 

Township  20  S.,  R.  59  W. — The  surface  is  almost  level,  with  some  small 
sand  hills.  No  surface  water.  Poor  grazing  land.  Six  miles  from  the  rail- 
road. Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation, 
4,600  feet. 

Township  21  S.,  R.  59  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  varies  from  good 
rolling  land  to  sand  hills  and  bluffs.  The  soil  is  generally  sandy.  No  tim- 
ber. A  few  springs.  Not  much  surface  water.  One  mile  from  the  railroad. 
Value,  $6  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,500 
feet. 


CUSTER    COUNTY 

PUEBLO   LAND   DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  142,169  Acres. 

Cu8ter  county  is  located  in  the  south-central  portion  of  Colorado.  Most 
of  the  county  is  a  rough  and  mountainous  mining  and  stock  raising  district. 
In  Antelope  Creek  valley,  in  the  western  part  of  the  county,  is  fine  agricul- 
tural land,  a  large  area  of  which  is  under  irrigation. 

The  approximate  value  per  year  of  the  agricultural  products  in  Custer 
county  is  as  follows: 

Cereals   $  60,000.00 

Hay  170,000.00 

Other   crops    30,000.00 

The  total  population  of  Custer  county  is  2,000.  The  county  seat  is  Sil- 
ver Cliff,  with  a  population  of  250. 

Special  attention  is  called  to  the  liberal  rainfall  in  Custer  county.  Not 
less  than  fifteen  inches  annually  in  any  part  of  the  county  and  in  some  por- 
tions over  twenty-five  inches. 

Township  21  S.,  R.  69  W. — There  is  some  fine  agricultural  land  in  this 
township,  whicli  lies  on  the  western  slope  of  the  Wet  mountains.  The  vacant 
lands  are  in  the  rougher  portion,  up  against  the  boundary  of  the  San  Isabel 
national  forest,  and  are  not  suitable  for  cultivation.  Value,  $3  to  $5  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Distance  from 
railroad,  ten  miles. 

Township  21  S.,  R.  70  W. — This  township  is  principally  rugged  and  rocky 
and  all  of  the  land,  except  a  small  section  on  the  west,  is  included  in  the 
San  Isabel  national  forest.  This  land  is  chiefly  used  for  grazing.  Value,  $5 
to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  7,000  feet.  Dis- 
tance from  railroad,  twelve  miles. 

Township  22  S.,  R.  70  W. — This  is  a  fine  stock  country.  Well  watered. 
There  is  a  fine  growth  of  excellent  grass.  Good  timber.  The  surface  is  rather 
rough  and  mountainous,  not  suitable  for  cultivation.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.  Elevation,  8,000  feet.  Distance  from 
railroad,  twelve  miles. 

Township  23  S.,  R.  70  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  mostly 
mountainous  and  well  timbered.  It  has  plenty  of  water  and  is  covered  with 
good  grass  in  places.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  over  25 
inches.     Elevation,  9,000  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  twelve  miles. 

Township  24  S.,  R.  70  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  mountainous 
in  character.  It  is  tolerably  well  watered  and  furnishes  first-class  pasture 
lands.  It  is  partially  timbered  and  even  the  timbered  sections  have  good 
grass.  Some  of  this  timber  is  of  saw  mill  size.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 
Annual  rainfall,  above  25  inches.  Elevation,  9,000  feet.  Distance  from  rail- 
road, fifteen  miles. 

Township  21  S.,  R.  71  W. — This  township  is  principally  rough  mountain- 
ous land.  There  are  some  agricultural  lands  along  the  gulches.  Open  por- 
tions furnish  excellent  grazing  at  all  seasons.  Plenty  of  water.  There  is  a 
considerable  growth  of  aspen,  spruce  and  pine  trees.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  An- 
nual rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  8,000  feet.  Distance  from  railroad, 
six  miles. 


Custer  County  83 


Township  22  S.,  R.  71  W. — This  is  a  very  rough  and  hilly  land,  lying  up 
in  the  mountains.  There  is  some  good  summer  pasture.  The  soil  is  very 
gravelly.  There  is  a  good  growth  of  bunch  grass  and  white  sage.  There  is 
some  spruce  and  aspen  timber  on  the  hilltops.  There  is  a  little  natural  hay 
land.  Springs  afford  plenty  of  stock  water.  Mining  for  precious  minerals  is 
carried  on  in  this  township.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  20 
to  25  inches.    Elevation,  9,000  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  five  miles. 

Township  23  S.,  R.  71  W. — There  are  some  farming  lands  along  the  water 
courses.  Owing  to  the  high  altitude  this  land  is  best  suited  for  hay  raising. 
The  uplands  furnish  good  grazing.  The  general  surface  is  rough  and  uneven 
and  is  in  a  high  mountainous  country.  The  surface  is  covered  with  scattered 
pine  trees.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  25  inches.  Elevation, 
8,500  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  seven  miles. 

Township  24  S.,  R.  71  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  mostly  open 
rolling  plateau  land,  surrounded  by  mountains.  It  affords  good  pasturage. 
There  is  plenty  of  water  in  the  streams.  Value,  $5  to  $7  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  above  25  inches.  Elevation,  8,500  feet.  Distance  from  railroad, 
twelve  miles. 

Township  21  S.,  R.  72  W. — There  is  good  agricultural  land  along  Grape 
creek  suitable  for  farming  and  hay  raising,  while  the  land  remote  from 
water  furnishes  good  grazing.  Some  little  timber.  Value,  $3.50  to  $7  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  7,500  feet.  Distance  from 
railroad,  two  miles. 

Township  22  S.,  R.  72  W. — Silver  Cliff,  the  county  seat  of  Custer  county, 
is  in  this  township.  The  surface  is  partially  mountainous  and  hilly  and 
partially  prairie  lands.  There  is  some  timber.  Some  good  land,  but  not 
enough  water  for  irrigation.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  25 
inches.    Elevation,  8,000  feet.    Reached  by  branch  railroad. 

Township  23  S.,  R.  72  W. — This  township  lies  in  Wet  Mountain  valley. 
The  surface  is  mostly  rolling  prairie  land.  There  is  some  good  grass  and 
good  soil.  The  land  is  suitable  for  pasture  or  cultivation,  either  by  irri- 
gation or  dry  farming  methods.  Value,  $5  to  $20  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall, 
20  to  25  inches.    Elevation,  8,000  feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  five  miles. 

Township  24  S.,  R.  72  W. — Most  of  this  township  is  mountainous.  There 
is  some  farming  land  along  the  streams.  All  of  it  is  good  grazing  land. 
There  is  plenty  of  water.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  25 
inches.     Elevation,  8,500  feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  ten  miles. 

Township  21  S.,  R.  73  W. — A  fine  valley  crosses  this  township,  being 
even  above  the  average  mountain  valleys  in  this  section.  Other  portions  of 
the  township  are  rough  and  rocky.  Suitable  only  for  grazing.  The  township 
is  well  watered  and  contains  considerable  pine  timber  of  medium  quality. 
Crossed  by  a  railroad.  Value,  $6  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20 
inches.    Elevation,  8,000  feet. 

Township  46  N.,  R.  12  E. — The  only  vacant  lands  in  this  township  lie 
right  along  the  railroad.  They  are  rolling  and  hilly  in  character.  Fine  grass. 
Suitable  only  for  grazing  purposes.  Value,  $6  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15 
to  20  inches,    Elevation,  8,000  feet. 


DELTA  COUNTY 

MONTROSE  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  325,488  Acres. 

Delta  county  is  located  in  the  western-central  portion  of  Colorado.  It  is 
traversed  by  the  Uncompahgre  and  Gunnison  rivers,  along  the  fertile  valleys 
of  which  are  fine  agricultural  and  fruit  lands. 

Some  coal  is  mined  in  Delta  county.  The  mountainous  sections  are  in- 
cluded in  the  national  forests. 

Jhe  approximate  value  per  year  of  the  agricultural  products  is  as  follows: 

Grains     $    200,000.00 

Hay  and  vegetables 700,000.00 

Fruits    1,200,000.00 

Miscellaneous  crops    200,000.00 

The  total  population  of  Delta  county  is  15,000.  The  population  of  Delta, 
the  county  seat,  is  2,500.  Other  important  towns  are  Hotchkiss,  with  a  popu- 
lation of  600,  and  Paonia,  with  a  population  of  1,000. 

Much  of  the  rougher  portions  of  the  county  contains  land  that  could  be 
reclaimed  and  which  would  be  valuable  owing  to  the  fertility  of  the  soil  and 
the  naturally  fine  climate. 

Township  13  S.,  R.  91  W. — This  township  is  crossed  diagonally  by  the 
Gunnison  river  and  railroad.  It  is  a  mountainous  district  at  an  elevation  of 
6,500  feet.  The  soil,  in  the  river  valley  and  on  the  mesa  along  it,  is  especially 
adapted  to  fruit  raising.  The  mountains  are  covered  with  brush  and  scat- 
tering timber.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  14  S.,  R.  91  W. — The  southern  and  eastern  portions  are  rolling 
and  broken  in  character,  being  covered  witli  sage  and  oak  brush  and  some 
scattering  cedar.  The  southeastern  corner  is  a  mountainous  district  included 
in  the  Gunnison  national  forest.  Minnesota  creek,  which  flows  through  the 
northern  portion,  carries  a  large  body  of  water.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.     Elevation,  6,500  feet.    Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  91  W. — A  rough,  mountainous  district  containing  large 
valleys  and  fertile  mesas.  Along  Smith's  fork  there  is  first-class  agricultural 
land  very  productive  when  irrigated  and  will  grow  good  crops  of  grasses  and 
grains.  Some  of  the  high,  adobe  hills  are  covered  with  a  scrubby  growth  of 
cedar  and  oak.  This  district  is  well  watered  by  springs  and  creeks  and  is  a 
splendid  grazing  section  for  cattle  and  horses.  Elevation,  6,700  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Located  five  miles  from  a  railroad.  Value,  $4  to 
$8  per  acre. 

Township  13  S.,  R.  92  W. — A  rolling,  mountainous  section  on  the  southern 
slope  of  the  Grand  mesa.  The  surface  is  broken  by  high  mesas  cut  by  deep 
gulches  and  all  covered  with  a  dense  growth  of  brush.  There  are  considerable 
lava  rock  outcroppings  in  different  places.  The  soil  is  generally  rich  and 
productive  of  good  crops  especially  suited  to  the  high  altitude.  Small  natural 
parks  furnish  excellent  grazing.  Located  one  mile  from  a  railroad.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  16  inches.  Elevation,  7,000  to  9,000  feet.  Value,  $4  to  $10  per 
acre. 

Township  14  S.,  R.  92  W.— The  North  fork  of  the  Gunnison  river  and  rail- 
road crosses  this  township  diagonally.     This  river  carries  a  large  volume  of 


Delta  County  85 


water.  The  surface  consists  of  wide  river  valleys,  mountains  and  high  mesas, 
the  bluffs  of  which  are  covered  with  grass.  The  soil  is  rather  poor  in  char- 
acter, except  in  the  river  bottoms,  where  it  is  first-class.  The  river  valley  is 
a  very  fine  fruit-raising  district.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10 
to  15  inches.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  92  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  a  broken,  cre- 
taceous plain  in  an  arid  district,  most  of  which  is  irrigated  from  Smith's  fork. 
There  is  considerable  hard  sand  rock  and  excellent  building  stone  to  be  found 
here.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $5  to 
$10  per  acre. 

Township  13  S.,  R.  93  W. — This  township  lies  on  the  southern  slope  of 
the  Grand  mesa;  it  is  quite  rough  and  mountainous  throughout  with  the  ex- 
ception of  a  few  creek  bottoms.  The  more  desirable  lands  are  taken  up,  but 
there  is  considerable  unentered  land  suitable  for  cultivation.  There  are  sev- 
eral coal  mines  in  this  section.  Tliere  is  quite  a  scattering  growth  of  cedar, 
aspen  and  pinon  trees.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  6,500  feet. 
Distance  from  railroad,  five  miles.    Value,  $4  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  14  S.,  R.  93  W. — The  surface  is  generally  broken  and  rolling. 
The  soil  is  excellent.  Gunnison  river  crosses  the  southern  portion,  furnishing 
plenty  of  water  for  irrigation.  The  southern  portion  is  a  good  farming  dis- 
trict, while  the  northern  portion  is  better  suited  for  pasturage.  A  railroad 
crosses  this  township.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  93  W. — Outside  of  the  valleys  of  the  streams,  along 
which  there  are  good  lands,  the  rest  of  the  township  is  extremely  rough  and 
hilly.  The  hills  are  covered  with  a  dense  growth  of  cedars.  This  township 
is  crossed  by  railroad.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $7  per  acre. 

Township  12  S.,  R.  94  W. — This  township  lies  on  the  southern  slope  of  the 
Grand  mesa.  Half  being  mountainous  and  the  other  half  bench  land.  This 
district  is  well  settled  and  no  desirable  land  is  available.  Elevation,  7,000 
feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Located 
fifteen  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  13  S.,  R.  94  W. — A  well  watered  township  naturally  covered 
with  an  abundance  of  good  grass.  This  is  a  fine  farming  and  fruit-growing 
district.  In  the  southwestern  portion  there  is  some  indication  of  coal.  Eleva- 
tion, 6,500  feet.  Located  five  miles  from  a  railroad.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per 
acre.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 

Township  14  S.,  R.  94  W. — The  surface  is  generally  rough  and  hilly.  The 
soil  is  a  sandy  adobe  in  some  places  and  is  covered  with  a  good  growth  of 
grass.  There  is  no  timber  in  this  district,  but  sage  brush  grows  very  higli 
and  thick.  The  gulches  are  nearly  all  dry.  This  township  is  crossed  by  rail- 
road and  is  located  just  north  of  the  Gunnison  river.  Elevation,  6,000  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  94  W. — A  hilly  township  containing  considerable  val- 
ley land.  This  is  a  naturally  arid  country  requiring  irrigation.  Along  the 
Gunnison  river  there  are  exceptionally  fine  bottom  lands.  Elevation,  5,500  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Railroad  crosses 
the  northwest  corner  of  the  township. 

Township  12  S.,  R.  95  W. — A  rough,  mountainous  township  upon  the 
southern  edge  of  the  Grand  mesa  and  included  in  the  national  forest  with  the 


86  Delta  County 


exception  of  the  southeastern  corner.  The  township  is  well  watered  by  sev- 
eral creeks  and  streams  and  affords  excellent  trout  fishing.  There  are  coal 
indications.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  7,000  feet.  Value, 
$5  to  $10  per  acre.    Located  twelve  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  13  S.,  R.  95  W. — This  is  a  rough,  hilly  township  on  the  southern 
slope  of  the  Grand  mesa.  There  are  numerous  small  mesas  and  river  bench 
lands  all  covered  more  or  less  with  lava  rock,  and  with  a  heavy  growth  of 
underbrush.  Many  living  streams  are  to  be  found  in  this  section  and  coal 
mining  is  carried  on  extensively.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10 
to  15  inches.    Located  six  miles  from  railroad.    Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  14  S.,  R.  95  W. — The  eastern  portion  of  this  township  is  a  fine 
farming  district.  The  creeks  afford  abundant  water  for  irrigation.  The  north- 
western portion  is  better  suited  to  grazing.  Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Located  one  mile  from  a  railroad.  Value,  $5  to  $10 
per  acre. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  95  W.— The  northern  tier  of  sections  are  broken  and 
rolling.  The  mountains  are  made  up  of  high,  conical,  adobe  buttes,  cut  by 
numerous  rocky  gulches.  The  large  valleys  are  very  fertile  and  well  watered. 
Half  of  the  southern  portion  consists  of  level,  rolling  mesas,  which  would  fur- 
nish excellent  land  if  irrigated.  The  other  half  is  rolling  and  broken  with 
adobe  knolls.  The  township  is  crossed  by  numerous  dry  gulches.  Elevation, 
5,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  under  10  inches.  This  township  is  crossed  by 
railroad.    Value,  $5  to  $12  per  are. 

Township  14  S.,  R.  96  W. — A  very  rou^h,  mountainous  section  through- 
out, covered  with  lava  rock  with  the  exception  of  the  steep  slopes.  The  soil 
on  the  slopes  lends  itself  readily  to  cultivation.  This  township  is  located  on 
the  southern  slope  of  the  Grand  mesa.  Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 10  inches.    Located  three  miles  from  a  railroad.    Value,  $5  to  $12  per  acre. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  96  W. — The  Gunnison  river  and  railroad  cross  this 
township.  The  river  valleys  are  very  fertile  and  are  extensively  cultivated, 
being  under  irrigation.  The  remainder  of  the  township  consists  of  rolling, 
level  mesas  which  would  make  good  farm  land  and  produce  superior  crops 
when  irrigated.  Annual  rainfall  is  under  10  inches.  Irrigation  is  absolutely 
essential  here  for  cultivation.    Elevation,  5,000  feet.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  14  S.,  R.  97  W.— This  is  a  fractional  township  lying  in  the  foot- 
hills of  the  Grand  mesa,  having  a  general  slope  south  and  west.  The  gulches 
are  deep  and  very  rocky.  Diamond  creek,  which  is  merely  a  brook,  flows 
only  a  part  of  the  year,  and  is  the  only  running  water  in  the  township. 
There  is  not  much  timber  in  this  section.  The  land  is  mostly  unfit  for  cul- 
tivation. There  is  good  grass  during  the  wet  seasons.  This  is  naturally  an 
arid  section  with  less  than  10  inches  of  rainfall  annually.  Located  four  miles 
from  a  railroad.    Elevation,  5,500  feet.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  97  W. — That  portion  lying  south  of  the  river  and 
bluffs  and  east  of  the  principal  canyon  is  a  broken  sandstone  mesa,  cut  by 
numerous  dry  gulches  and  canyons.  Most  of  the  soil  is  light  and  sandy  in 
character  and  produces  a  scant  growth  of  gramma  grass.  On  the  north  side 
of  the  Gunnison  river  the  soil  is  adobe,  being  covered  with  scrub  oak,  but  de- 
void of  timber  and  almost  any  other  vegetation.  In  the  river  canyons  there 
are  a  few  small  bodijBs  of  bottom  land.  This  township  is  crossed  by  railroad. 
Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  less  than  10  inches.  Value,  $5  to  $10 
per  acre. 


Delta  County  87 


Township  14  S.,  R.  98  W. — An  exceedingly  rough,  broken  district,  crossed 
diagonally  by  the  Gunnison  river,  south  of  which  is  a  high  mesa.  In  the  north- 
ern part  the  canons  are  low,  but  bordered  on  either  side  by  vertical  walls  of 
solid  sandstone  raising  100  to  150  feet  high.  The  mesas  are  broken  and  rocky. 
Along  the  bottoms  of  the  river  there  are  a  few  bodies  of  excellent  land.  Owing 
to  the  light  rainfall  this  township  cannot  be  cultivated  without  irrigation. 
The  cost  of  raising  water  to  the  level  lands  would  be  more  than  the  land 
would  be  worth.  There  is  very  little  timber  in  this  township.  Value,  $3.50 
to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  under  10  inches.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  This 
township  is  crossed  by  railroad. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  98  W. — There  is  very  little  arable  land  in  this  town- 
hsip.  The  mesas  are  from  800  to  1,200  feet  above  the  little  valleys  which 
are  located  along  the  river,  and  are  generally  broken  and  rocky,  being  cov- 
ered with  cedar  and  pinon  timber.  There  is  some  grazing  land  in  this  section 
The  rainfall  is  less  than  10  inches.  Elevation,  5,000  to  6,000  feet.  Value, 
$3.50  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  4  S.,  R.  3  E. — Ute  P.  M. — This  is  a  rough,  rocky  section.  The 
soil  is  clay  in  character  and  cannot  be  irrigated.  Considerable  nutritious 
grass  covers  the  lands  at  the  foot  of  the  bluffs.  This  is  a  good  cattle  range, 
but  of  little  use  for  farming.  Along  the  Gunnison  river  the  country  is  greatly 
cut  by  canyons  and  steep,  rocky  bluffs.  There  is  a  considerable  growth  of 
spruce  and  cedar  timber;  also  coal  outcropping.  A  railroad  crosses  this  town- 
ship. Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  under  10  inches.  Value,  $5  to 
$10  per  acre. 


DOLORES   COUNTY 

DURANGO  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  188,555  Acres. 
MONTROSE  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  73,380  Acres. 

Dolores  county  is  located  in  the  extreme  southwestern  portion  of  Colorado, 
adjoining  the  Utah  state  line.  The  eastern  portion  of  the  county  lies  in  the 
San  Juan  mountains  and  is  a  gold  and  silver  mining  district.  A  large  propor- 
tion of  the  county  is  included  in  the  Montezuma  national  forest.  Dolores  has 
the  smallest  population  of  any  county  in  Colorado,  the  total  being  only  650, 
out  of  which  400  live  in  Rico,  the  county  seat. 

The  approximate  value  per  year  of  the  agricultural  products  is  as  follows: 

Grains    $  5,000.00 

Hay    15,000.00 

Vegetables    2,000.00 

DURANGO  LAND  DISTRICT. 

Township  40  N.,  R.  13  W. — Tlie  surface  of  this  township  is  high  and  roll- 
ing. There  are  aspen  groves  along  the  gulches,  and  fine  grass.  The  south- 
western portion  is  more  broken  and  rougli  and  is  included  in  the  Montezuma 
national  forest.  There  is  considerable  land  west  of  the  Dolores  bottoms  that 
could  be  irrigated,  although  this  is  included  in  the  forest.  The  whole  town- 
ship is  well  watered.  In  the  northwestern  portion  there  is  good  grazing  land. 
Klevation,  8,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inclies.  Distance  from  rail- 
road, six  miles.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  41  N.,  R.  13  W. — The  central  portion  of  this  township  is  a  high, 
comparatively  level  mesa.  The  rest  of  the  toMnship  is  liilly.  Fairly  well  cov- 
ered witli  spruce,  pine  and  aspen  timber.  Tliere  is  a  dense  undergrowth  of 
scrub  oak  with  scattering  cottonwood  and  willows  along  the  streams.  The 
soil  is  generally  good  and  black.  Elevation,  8,500  to  9,000  feet.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 20  to  25  inches.  Located  twelve  miles  from  railroad.  Value,  $5  to  $8 
per  acre. 

Township  40  N.,  R.  14  W. — This  is  a  mountainous  grazing  district.  The 
northern  portion  is  very  rough  and  mountainous,  with  scattering  spruce,  pine 
timber  and  aspen  groves.  Tlie  rest  of  the  townsliip  is  hilly,  covered  with  fine 
grass  and  watered  by  two  creeks.  Distance  from  railroad,  six  miles.  Eleva- 
tion, 8,000  feet.     Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.     Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  41  N.,  R.  14  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  principally 
hilly  grazing  land.  The  eastern  portion  is  mountainous  and  the  western  por- 
tion high,  rolling  mesa.  There  are  coal  indications  on  sections  25,  26,  35  and 
36.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  25  inches.  Distance  from  railroad,  twelve  miles. 
Value,  $4  to  $7  per  acre.     Elevation,  8,500  feet. 

Township  39  N.,  R.  15  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  principally 
high,  rolling  mesas  covered  with  heavy  pine  timber  and  aspen  groves.  This 
is  a  grazing  section  covered  with  fine  bunch  grass  in  the  northern  portion. 
The  entire  southern  portion  of  the  township  is  included  in  the  Montezuma 
national  forest.  Distance  from  railroad,  five  miles.  Annual  rainfall,  20 
inches.    Elevation,  8,000  feet.    Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre. 


Dolores  County  89 


Township  40  N.,  R.  15  W. — This  is  a  hilly  grazing  district.  The  northern 
portion  is  especially  broken  by  the  bluffs  bounding  Lone  mesa.  There  is  some 
scattering  pine  timber.  The  rest  of  the  township  is  largely  covered  with 
scrub  and  pucker  brush.  There  is  water  all  year  in  Plateau  creek,  and  some 
springs.  Value,  $3.50  to  $7  per  acre.  Distance  from  railroad,  ten  miles.  Ele- 
vation, 8,500  feet.     Annual  rainfall,  15  inches. 

Township  40  N.,  R.  17  W. — This  township  is  crossed  by  the  Dolores  river. 
The  river  is  confined  in  canyons;  the  narrow  strips  along  the  river  would  not 
be  safe  to  cultivate  because  in  case  of  an  overflow  of  the  river  all  of  the 
land  would  be  flooded  and  there  would  be  no  possible  means  of  escape  from 
the  canyon.  In  the  eastern  portion  of  the  township  there  is  good  sage  brush 
land  and  a  good  stand  of  grass.  Elevation,  7,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to 
15  inches.     Value,  $3.50  per  acre.     Distance  from  railroad,  fifteen  miles. 

Township  40  N.,  R.  18  W. — A  portion  of  this  township  is  hilly  and  rough. 
Most  of  it  is  good  grazing  land  with  occasional  groves  of  pinon  and  cedar 
trees.  There  is  a  dense  undergrowth  of  sage  brush.  There  are  the  remains 
of  a  number  of  Indian  pueblos  in  section  30.  Distance  from  a  railroad,  twen- 
ty miles.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value, 
$3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  41  N.,  R.  18  W. — This  is  a  rough,  mountainous  district  but  with 
very  fertile  soil,  sandy  in  character.  This  is  a  poorly  watered  township, 
there  being  only  two  springs  in  the  township,  and  these  are  down  in  canyons 
3,000  feet  deep.  There  is  a  dense  growth  of  scrub  oak.  Elevation,  7,000  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Distance  from  railroad,  twenty-five  miles. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Other  portions  of  Dolores  county  are  not  surveyed. 

MONTROSE  LAND  DISTRICT. 

For  that  portion  of  Dolores  county  in  the  Montrose  Land  District,  refer 
to  Township  32  North  Ranges  13  to  19  West,  San  Miguel  county. 


DOUGLAS   COUNTY 

DENVER  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  4,760  Acres. 

Douglas  county  is  located  in  the  central  portion  of  tlie  State.  The 
western  portion  of  the  county  is  cut  by  foothills  and  is  quite  mountainous. 
The  eastern  portion  is  generally,  rolling,  hilly  country  on  the  northern  slope 
of  the  Arkansas  divide.  The  principal  industry  of  this  section  is  dairying, 
with  farming. 

The  approximate  value  per  year  of  the  agricultural  products  is  as  folows: 

Grain    $200,000.00 

Hay 200,000.00 

Vegetables  and  other  crops 35,000.00 

The  population  of  the  county  is  3,500.  Castle  Rock,  the  county  seat,  has 
a  population  of  400.     Other  towns  in  the  county  are  very  small. 

Township  7  S.,  R.  66  W. — This  township  is  crossed  north  and  south 
through  the  center  by  Cherry  Creek  valley  and  the  Arapahoe  canal.  Section 
9  is  under  the  canal,  with  the  exception  of  the  extreme  southwest  corner, 
this  is  on  a  point  above  it.  Section  19  is  on  top  of  a  ridge,  at  the  head  of 
Limon  gulch.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  The 
township  is  located  two  miles  from  the  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to 
20  inches.    Elevation,  6,000  feet. 

Township  10  S.,  R.  66  W. — This  township  is  crossed  by  the  headwaters 
of  Cherry  creek.  Section  15  is  on  top  of  a  ridge  Just  west  of  Cherry  creek. 
The  high  elevation  and  rough  character  of  the  land  makes  it  of  no  value,  ex- 
cepting for  pasture  land.  Value,  $5.00  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20 
inches.     Elevation,  7,000  feet. 

Township  7  S.,  R.  67  W.— The  southern  portion  of  this  towhsnip  is 
crossed  by  Plum  Creek  valley.  The  central  and  northern  portions  are  rough 
and  hilly;  broken  by  deep  gulches  and  high  rocky  ridges.  Very  sandy  soil. 
There  is  quite  a  growth  of  oak  brush  and  pine  trees.  Suitable  only  for 
grazing.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation, 
6,000  feet.    Four  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  7  S.,  R.  68  W. — This  township  runs  right  into  the  mountains 
on  the  western  side.  Section  31  adjoins  the  Pike  national  forest  and  is  rough 
and  mountainous  and  only  suitable  for  grazing.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  An- 
nual rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Elevation,  6,000  feet.    Crossed  by  railroad. 

Township  8  S.,  R.  68  W.— This  township  is  undulating  on  the  east.  The 
western  portion  is  rough  and  mountainous.  The  soil  is  gravelly  and  the 
growth  of  grass  is  poor.  There  are  small  pine  trees  and  oak  brush.  Second 
rate  grazing  land.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Elevation,  6,000  feet.     Nine  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  9  S.,  R.  68  W.— The  southern  and  western  portions  of  this 
township  are  mountainous,  rough  and  broken.  Loamy  soil.  Some  pine  trees; 
adjoining  the  Pike  national  forest.  Fit  onlv  for  grazing.  Value,  $3.50  per 
acre.  Elevation,  7,000  feet.  Rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Three  miles  from 
railroad. 


EAGLE  COUNTY 

DENVER  LAND   DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant   Lands,  23,480  Acres. 
GLENWOOD  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  290,865  Acres. 

Eagle  county  is  located  in  the  central  part  of  the  State,  just  west  of  the 
great  Continental  divide.  The  county  is  principally  rough  and  mountainous 
and  largely  included  in  the  Holy  Cross  national  forest.  It  is  drained  by  the 
Eagle  and  Grand  rivers. 

A  fine  stock-raising  country  with  some  excellent  agricultural  lands  scat- 
tered through  the  mountains  and  along  the  valleys  of  the  streams. 

The  population  of  the  entire  county  is  only  3,000.  The  towns  are  all  small. 

The  approximate  value  per  year  of  the  agricultural  products  is  as  follows: 

Grains    $150,000.00 

Hay    300,000.00 

Vegetables    125,000.00 

DENVER  LAND  DISTRICT. 

Township  2  S.,  R.  81  W. — This  township  is  a  mountainous  section.  There 
are  rich  bottom  lands  along  Quaking  Aspen  creek.  In  sections  14  and  15  is 
Lone  peak,  a  peak  of  considerable  prominence.  This  is  a  good  grazing  section 
and  there  is  plenty  of  water  and  timber  found  in  nearly  every  portion.  An- 
nual rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  .$3.50  to  $8  per  acre.  Located  five  miles 
from  railroad.     Elevation,  8,500  feet. 

Township  5  S.,  R.  81  W. — A  mountainous  township  crossed  by  Eagle  river 
and  railroad.  The  tumbling  mountain  streams  have  a  sufficient  fall  in  numer- 
ous places  to  develop  power.  There  is  very  little  land  in  this  section  suitable 
for  cultivation.  Value,  $3.50  to  $7  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Elevation,  8,000  feet. 

Township  2  S.,  R.  82  W. — This  is  what  is  known  as  tlie  "Sheep  Horn" 
country.  Tn  the  eastern  portion  of  the  township  there  is  timber  of  good  size, 
and  many  groves  of  quaking  asps,  but  fire  has  destroyed  most  of  the  best 
timber.  There  is  very  good  grass  in  tlie  northern  portion  of  the  township, 
and  considerable  hay  is  cut  from  the  small  mountain  parks.  The  railroad  and 
Grand  river  run  across  the  northwestern  corner.  The  southeastern  portion 
of  the  township  is  included  in  the  Holy  Cross  national  forest.  Elevation, 
8,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $3.50  per  acre. 

Township  3  S.,  R.  82  W.^ — A  township  of  unusual  mountainous  character. 
Piney  creek,  a  stream  of  good  size,  flows  across  it;  along  this  creek  is  some 
very  good  land.  Timber  and  water  is  quite  plentiful  throughout.  Good  graz- 
ing is  found  everywhere.  Located  three  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation, 
7,500  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $7  per  acre. 

Township  4  S.,  R,  82  W. — The  surface  is  rough,  mountainous  and  broken 
by  numerous  ridges  between  which  are  small  streams  and  brooks.  The  Eagle 
river  and  a  railroad  cross  the  southwestern  corner,  along  which  there  is  a  nar- 
row valley.  There  is  a  good  growth  of  bunch  grass  in  this  township,  but 
only  a  few  small  patches  of  timber.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 7,500  feet.    Value,  $3.50  to  $7  per  acre. 


92  Eagle  County 


Township  5  S.,  R.  82  W. — The  surface  is  rough  and  broken,  excepting  the 
narrow  bottoms  along  the  Eagle  river.  Along  the  line  of  the  river  there  are 
groves  of  small  pines.  In  the  southern  portion  there  is  a  small  quantity  of 
large  timber.  The  growth  is  generally  aspens  and  pines.  Elevation,  7,500 
feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to  $7  per  acre.  The  rail- 
road follows  Eagle  river  across  the  township. 

GLENWOOD  LAND  DISTRICT. 

Townhsip  2  S.,  R.  83  W. — The  Grand  river  and  railroad  cross  this  town- 
ship. Along  the  sides  of  the  streams  and  in  the  bottoms  there  is  first-class 
agricultural  land.  The  balance  of  the  township  is  rugged  and  hilly.  Eleva- 
tion, 7,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $4  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  3  S.,  R.  83  W. — This  township  is  principally  mountainous,  being 
on  the  divide  between  the  Eagle  and  Grand  rivers.  There  are  several  small 
streams  running  in  a  southerly  direction,  along  which  are  small  valleys  of 
good  hay  lands.  This  is  an  excellent  grazing  township.  Scattering  timber, 
aspen  and  scrub  pine  in  evidence.  The  soil  is  loamy  and  is  covered  more  or 
less  with  sage  brush.  Distance  from  railroad,  three  miles.  Elevation,  8,000 
feet.     Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $6  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  4  S.,  R.  83  W. — This  is  a  mountainous  township.  The  hills  are 
not  very  rough,  but  quite  steep.  The  Eagle  river  crosses  this  townhsip.  The 
bottom  lands  are  very  fertile.  There  is  plenty  of  timber  and  water  through- 
out the  township,  and  good  grass.  The  soil  is  a  black  loam.  Value,  $5  to  $8 
per  acre.     This  township  is  crossed  by  railroad.    Annual  rainfall,  15  inches. 

Township  5  S.,  R.  83  W. — The  southeastern  corner  of  this  township  is  in- 
cluded in  the  Holy  Cross  national  forest.  The  general  character  is  mountain- 
ous. This  is  a  well  watered  grazing  district.  There  is  considerable  timber  of 
spruce,  pine  and  aspen  along  the  Roaring  Fork  creek;  also  some  good  bottom 
land.  Elevation,  8,000  feet.  Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre.  Located  one  mile  from 
a  railroad. 

Township  2  S.,  R.  84  W. — This  is  a  partially  hilly  and  partially  moun- 
tainous township.  The  surface  is  broken  by  deep  ravines.  Grand  River 
crosses  the  northern  portion.  The  valley  is  quite  narrow.  Soil  is  first-class. 
Grazing  is  good  throughout.  There  is  scattering  scrub  pine  and  cedar  timber 
and  groves  of  aspen.  No  mineral  indications.  Elevation,  7,000  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Distance  from  railroad,  three  miles.  Value,  $4  to 
$8  per  acre. 

Township  3  S.,  R.  84  W. — This  township  is  mostly  included  in  the  Holy 
Cross  national  forest.  The  land  outside  of  the  forest  is  good  pasture  land, 
well  watered  by  many  small  streams  and  quite  well  timbered.  Distance  from 
railroad,  four  miles.  Elevation,  9,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Value,  $5  per  acre. 

Township  4  S.,  R.  84  W. — A  rather  hilly,  mountainous  townhsip,  crossed 
by  the  Eagle  river  and  railroad.  There  are  some  fine  bottom  lands  along  the 
river.  The  other  portion  of  the  township  is  a  good  grazing  district.  There 
is  considerable  timber.  Elevation,  7,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  5  S.,  R.  84  W. — Along  Brush  creek  and  Eagle  river  there  are 
narrow  strips  of  bottom  lands.  Above  these  some  of  the  lands  are  high  and 
hilly  with  very  fine  soil,  and  could  be  irrigated  or  farmed  without  irrigation. 
Most  of  the  uplands  can  be  considered  only  as  grazing  lands.       A  railroad 


Eagle  County  93 


touches  the  northern  portion  of  this  township.    Elevation,  7,800  feet.    Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  aero. 

Township  2  S.,  R.  85  W. — The  Grand  river  crosses  this  township.  There 
are  good  side  bottom  lands  along  the  river,  suitable  for  farming.  The  balance 
of  the  township  is  well  watered  pasture  land.  Some  portions  of  this  town- 
ship are  cultivated.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  ten  miles. 
Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.     Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  3  S.,  R.  85  W. — The  greater  portion  of  this  township  is  hilly. 
Along  the  Grand  river,  which  crosses  it,  there  are  some  fine  bottom  lands. 
Outside  of  these,  the  surface  is  rolling,  with  a  good,  loamy  soil,  and  generally 
a  rank  growth  of  grass.  All  portions  are  well  watered  and  covered  with  scat- 
tering timber.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Elevation,  6,500  to  9,500  feet.  An- 
nual rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Distance  from  railroad,  six  miles. 

Township  4  S.,  R.  85  W. — This  township  is  quite  mountainous  in  the  cen- 
tral and  northern  portions.  The  southern  portion  of  the  township  includes 
the  bottom  lands  of  the  Eagle  river.  This  township  is  generally  well  watered 
and  the  grass  is  good.  Elevation,  7,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.    Township  crossed  by  a  railroad. 

Township  5  S.,  R.  85  W. — This  township  contains  considerable  bottom 
land  and  quite  an  amount  of  rolling  land.  A  small  portion  is  mountainous 
and  high  land.  The  rolling  portion  consists  of  low  hills  covered  with  pine 
and  spruce  timber.  This  tow^nship  is  well  watered,  and  there  are  innumerable 
springs.  A  railroad  crosses  the  township.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Value,  $3.50 
to  $7  per  acre. 

Township  3  S.,  R.  86  W. — The  southeastern  corner  of  this  township  is 
crossed  by  the  Grand  river.  In  general  the  surface  is  hilly  and  mountainous, 
covered  with  scattering  spruce,  aspen  timber  and  underbrush.  It  is  well  wa- 
tered by  numerous  springs  and  creeks.  Distance  from  a  railroad,  six  miles. 
Elevation,  6,500  to  9,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $3.50 
to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  4  S.,  R.  86  W. — The  western  portion  of  this  township  is  exceed- 
ingly mountainous  and  broken.  Most  of  it  is  unfit  for  agriculture.  Along 
the  Grand  river  there  are  some  small  mesas  and  slopes  covered  with  a  scant 
growth  of  sage  brush  and  grass  and  a  few  spruce  trees  on  the  high  ridges 
and  along  the  several  different  creeks.  Over  most  of  the  township  is  a  scatter- 
ing growth  of  scrub  timber.  On  the  rough  hills,  west  of  the  Grand  river,  there 
is  good  summer  range.  The  eastern  portion  of  the  township  is  dry  and  bar- 
ren. Value,  $3.50  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Distance 
from  railroad,  one  mile. 

Township  5  S.,  R.  86  W. — In  general,  the  lands  in  this  township  are  very 
dry  and  barren.  There  is  plenty  of  grass  on  the  divide  and  along  the  bot- 
toms of  the  Eagle  river  are  cottonwoods  affording  an  excellent  summer  graz- 
ing section.  Along  the  low  bottoms  of  the  Eagle  and  Grand  rivers  there  are 
fine  hay  lands.  Good  crops  without  irrigation  are  being  produced  on  the  up- 
lands above  the  rivers.  Value,  $3.50  to  $10  per  acre.  Elevation,  6,500  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  6  S.,  R.  86  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  generally  hilly. 
It  is  located  on  top  of  tlie  divide  between  Eagle  and  Roaring  Fork  rivers. 
The  soil  along  the  creeks  is  first-class.  Tliere  is  some  heavy  pinon  and  spruce 
timber  in  the  soutliern  portion.  Plenty  of  good  water  along  the  creeks.  Eleva- 
tion, 7,000  ot  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Located  five  miles 
from  a  railroad.    Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre. 


94  Eagle  County 


Township  7  S.,  R.  86  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  quite  hilly  and 
mountainous,  except  the  northwestern  portion,  which  is  rolling  and  covered 
with  a  dense  undergrowth  of  oak  brush.  There  are  a  few  aspen  and  pine  trees. 
The  eastern  portion  is  included  in  the  Holy  Cross  national  forest  and  contains 
some  fine  pine  timber.  Distance  from  railroad,  one  mile.  Elevation,  7,000 
feet.     Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  8  S.,  R.  86  W. — This  is  a  mountainous  township  with  more  or 
less  of  a  growth  of  spruce  timber.  Well  watered  by  several  creeks.  There  is 
a  limited  grazing  area  and  a  very  small  area  suitable  to  agriculture.  Value, 
$5  to  $12  per  acre.     Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.     Elevation,  6,500  feet. 


ELBERT    COUNTY 

DENVER  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  19,780  Acres. 
PUEBLO  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  1,140  Acres. 

Ellbert  county  is  located  a  little  east  of  the  central  portion  of  the  State 
on  what  is  known  as  the  Arkansas  divide  or  the  divide  between  the  Arkansas 
and  Platte  rivers.  This  is  a  rolling,  prairie  country;  hilly  in  places.  It  is 
a  very  fine  stock  country,  and  rapidly  developing  as  a  farming  district. 

The  approximate  value  per  year  of  the  agricultural  products  is  as  follows: 

Grains     $350,000.00 

Hay 275,000.00 

Vegetables  and  other  crops 75,000.00 

The  county  seat  is  Kiowa,  with  a  population  of  250.  The  population  of 
the  entire  county  is  only  6,000. 

DENVER  LAND  DISTRICT. 

Township  6  S.,  R.  57  W. — The  surface  is  very  broken  and  cut  by  ravines 
and  deep  gullies.  The  soil  is  adobe,  mostly  third  rate;  some  portions  are  cov- 
ered with  good  grass.  Water  can  be  found  in  the  ravines  part  of  the  time. 
Value,  $4.50  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation, 
5,300  feet.     Seven  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  7  S.,  R.  57  W. — The  surface  is  badly  broken  up  with  deep 
ravines  and  gulches.  A  few  places  are  suitable  for  farming.  There  is  no 
surface  water.  Most  of  this  township  is  useless  excepting  for  grazing  pur- 
poses. Not  very  good  for  that.  Value,  $3.50  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rain- 
fall,  10  to   15  inches.     Elevation,  5,500  feet.     Five  miles   from   the  railroad. 

Township  6  S.,  R.  58  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  and  hilly,  covered  with 
good  grass.  There  is  abundance  of  stone  for  building  purposes.  There  is 
some  water,  but  no  timber.  The  soil  is  partially  sandy  and  partially  adobe. 
Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,500 
feet.    One  mile  from  the  railroad.    Located  in  northeast  part  of  Elbert  county. 

Township  7  S.,  R.  58  W. — The  surface  is  rough  and  broken  by  many 
ravines  and  washes.  The  soil  is  partially  sandy  and  partially  adobe.  There 
is  no  surface  water.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.     Elevation,  5,500  feet.     This  township  is  crossed  by  the  railroad. 

Township  8  S.,  R.  58  W. — The  surface  is  rolling;  some  portions  suitable 
for  farming.  The  soil  is  adobe.  There  is  no  surface  water;  but  it  is  readily 
found  by  digging  a  few  feet.  Value,  $6  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall, 
10  to  15"^  inches.     Elevation,  5,600  feet.     The  railroad  crosses  this  township. 

Township  7  S.,  R.  59  W. — The  surface  is  mostly  rolling;  partly  hilly. 
The  soil  is  very  good.  Fine  grazing.  Value,  $8  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,500  feet.  This  township  is  crossed  by  the 
railroad. 

Township  10  S.,  R.  59  W.— The  surface  is  gently  rolling.  The  soil,  sandy. 
There  is  farming  in  this,  township.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 12  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  5,800  feet.  The  railroad  crosses  this  town- 
ship. 


96  Elbert  County 


Township  6  S.,  R.  60  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  and  hilly.  There  is  no 
running  water  in  Bijou  creek  where  it  crosses  this  township.  Principally- 
grazing  land.  Value,  $3.50  to  $6  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  4,900  feet.     Nine  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  8  S.,  R.  60  W. — The  surface  is  rolling,  hilly  and  broken  by 
many  deep  ravines.  There  is  running  water  in  Wilson  creek.  The  soil  is  a 
sandy  loam.  Value,  $5  to  $15  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  5,500  feet.     Eight  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  7  S.,  R.  61  W. — Portions  of  this  township  are  suitable  only  for 
grazing;  other  parts,  for  farming.  The  surface  varies  from  level  to  rolling 
prairie  and  rough  hills.  There  is  no  surface  water.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Twelve  miles 
from  the  railroad. 

Township  9  S.,  R.  61  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land.  There  is  a 
little  surface  water  and  some  timber.  The  soil  is  sandy.  It  is  covered 
with  good  buffalo  and  bunch  grass.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Fifteen  miles  from  the  rail- 
road. 

Township  9  S.,  R.  62  W. — Outside  of  tlie  valley  along  Bijou  creek,  the 
surface  of  this  township  is  generally  rough,  broken  and  hilly.  Soil,  adobe. 
Good  only  for  grazing.  Value,  $4  to  $16  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.     Elevation,  6,000  feet.     Nine  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  7  S.,  R.  63  W. — The  surface  is  a  little  rolling.  The  soil  is  a 
sandy  clay.  It  is  good  grazing  land.  There  is  a  little  timber  in  this  town- 
ship. Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 6,000  feet.     Seven  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  10  S.,  R.  63  W. — The  surface  of  this  townsliip  is  rolling.  There 
are  some  pine  trees.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam.  Good  for  grazing.  There 
are  natural  hay  lands  along  the  creeks.  Value,  $6  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Located  tliree  miles  from  the 
railroad. 

PUEBLO  LAND  DISTRICT. 

Township  13  S.,  R.  57  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land,  with  some 
slight  hills  along  the  ravines.  The  soil  is  somewhat  sandy  and  is  covered 
with  good  bunch  and  buffalo  grass,  making  excellent  range  for  stock.  Lands 
in  this  township  can  be  farmed.  Value,  $5  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Twenty  miles  from  the  rail- 
road. 

Township  13  S.,  R.  58  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land,  covered 
with  excellent  grass.  This  land  can  be  farmed.  The  soil  is  sandy,  with  buf- 
falo grass  sod.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Twenty-two  miles  from  railroad. 
Elevation,  5,700  feet.     Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  12  S.,  R.  59  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land,  covered 
with  good  growth  of  buffalo  grass.  The  soil,  sandy.  There  is  considerable 
farming  in  this  township.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Ten  miles  from  the 
railroad.     Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.     Elevation,  6,000  feet. 

Township  13  S.,  R.  59  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land,  with  sandy 
soil,  covered  with  good  growth  of  native  grasses.  This  is  a  good  stock  coun- 
try and  some  farming.  Very  little  surface  water.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 
Fifteen  miles  from  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation, 
5,800  feet. 


EL   PASO   COUNTY 

PUEBLO  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  69,924  Acres 

El  Paso  county  is  located  close  to  the  central  part  of  the  State.  In  the 
western  edge  of  the  county  the  foothills  rise  abruptly  from  the  plains, 
terminating  in  the  crest  of  Pikes  peak,  the  most  conspicuous  peak  in  the 
State. 

The  eastern  part  of  El  Paso  county  is  generally  rolling  prairie  land, 
hilly  in  places. 

The  encouraging  work  of  the  Colorado  Springs  Chamber  of  Commerce 
and  others  have  proven  the  agricultural  possibilities  of  El  Paso  county. 
From  a  stock  country  it  has  rapidly  changed  into  a  land  of  farmers. 

This  is  a  semi-arid  district,  but  it  is  proven  here,  in  innumerable  in- 
stances, that  successful  crops  can  be  raised  every  year  without  irrigation. 

The  approximate  value  per  year  of  the  agricultural  products  is  as 
follows : 

Grains    $300,000.00 

Hay 375,000.00 

Vegetables 150,000.00 

Miscellaneous  crops 165,000.00 

Colorado  Springs,  with  a  population  of  30,000,  is  the  principal  city.  It 
is  one  of  the  sight-seeing  localities,  with  picturesque  mountains  and  moun- 
tain resorts  adjoining.     The  population  of  the  county  is  50,000. 

There  are  a  number  of  tracts  from  forty  to  eighty  acres,  scattered 
around  the  eastern  part  of  El  Paso  county,  a  detailed  description  of  the  town- 
ships containing  these  isolated  tracts,  will  not  be  given  here,  the  character- 
istics of  this  county  being  so  similar. 

Township  16  S.,.  R.  60  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  high  rolling 
plains.  There  are  some  sand  hills.  The  soil  is  adobe.  There  are  several 
dry  creeks  or  sinks  in  this  township.  No  living  water  or  wood.  Suitable 
only  for  grazing  and  dry  farming.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10 
to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  twenty-eight 
miles. 

Township  17  S.,  R.  60  W. — The  land  in  this  township  is  fairly  good. 
The  surface  is  rolling,  sloping  gently  toward  the  south.  No  surface  water. 
Good  gramma  grass  sod.  Suitable  for  stock  raising  and  dry  farming.  Value, 
$5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Dis- 
tance from  railroad,  twenty  miles. 

Township  16  S.,  R.  61  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling,  with 
a  sandy  soil.  The  surface  of  the  unappropriated  lands  is  hilly  and  broken. 
There  is  no  timber  or  surface  water.  Value,  $3.50  to  $6  per  acre.  Suitable 
for  grazing  and  dry  farming.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation, 
5,500  feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  twenty-two  miles. 

Township  17  S.,  R.  61  W. — Most  of  this  township  is  located  on  a  low 
ridge.  It  is  below  the  average  in  quality.  Much  of  it  is  too  broken  to  farm. 
This  is  a  good  grazing  country,  with  portions  suitable  for  cultivation.  Value, 
$3.50  to  $6  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,500  feet. 
Distance  from  railroad,  eighteen  miles. 


98  El  Paso  County 


Township  14  S.,  R.  62  W. — This  is  a  good  dry  farming  district.  Fine 
loamy  soil.  Grood  grass.  Value,  $7.50  to  $15  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10 
to  15  inches.     Elevation,  6,000  feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  twelve  miles. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  62  W. — This  is  a  good  dry  farming  district.  Good 
loamy  soil.  Fine  grass.  Value,  $7.50  to  $15  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10 
to  15  inches.     Elevation,  6,000  feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  fifteen  miles. 

Township  16  S.,  R.  62  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling  prairie 
land.  A  large  portion  is  sandy  and  poor.  There  are  some  fine  bottom  lands, 
suitable  for  cultivation.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.     Elevation,  5,500  feet.     Distance   from  railroad,  fifteen  miles. 

Township  17  S.,  R.  62  W. — This  township  is  not  as  good  for  farming  as 
further  north.  The  soil  is  quite  sandy.  Black  Squirrel  creek  is  dry  most  of 
the  year.  There  is  no  other  surface  water.  No  timber.  Value,  $5  to  88  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,200  feet.  Distance  from 
railroad,  twelve  miles. 

Township  16  S.,  R.  63  W. — This  township  is  a  smooth,  level  prairie  table 
land,  partially  suitable  for  farming  and  partially  sand  hills.  There  is  no 
surface  water.  Some  fine  springs.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  ten 
miles. 

Township  13  S.,  R.  64  W. — The  only  vacant  land  in  this  township  is  an 
eighty-acre  tract  in  the  extreme  southern  portion,  in  which  is  known  as 
Corral  bluffs,  suitable  only  for  grazing.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 12  to  18  inches.     Elevation,  6,500  feet.     Crossed  by  railroad. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  64  W. — This  township  is  rolling  prairie  land,  in- 
clining to  be  hilly.  The  soil  is  partially  a  good,  hard  soil.  It  is  a  good 
grazing  section  and  some  farming.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  five 
miles. 

Township  16  S.,  R.  64  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  level,  rolling 
and  hilly  prairie  land.  A  good,  sandy  soil.  No  surface  water.  Value,  $6  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Distance  from 
railroad,  four  miles. 

Township  16  S.,  R.  66  W. — This  township  is  principally  level  prairie 
land,  just  east  of  the  foothills;  it  is  badly  cut  up  in  places  by  dry  arroyos. 
There  is  running  water  in  little  Fountain  creek.  Cannot  be  irrigated.  Value, 
$7  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  18  inches.  Elevation,  6,000  feet  Distance 
from  railroad,  two  miles. 

Township  17  S.,  R.  66  W. — This  township  is  mostly  rolling  prairie  land, 
crossed  by  low,  broken  ridges,  covered  with  pmon  trees.  Fairly  well  watered 
and  the  basin  lands  are  adapted  to  farming.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  An- 
nual rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Distance  from  railroad, 
four  miles. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  67  W. — This  is  one  of  the  most  rugged  and  mountain- 
ous townships  in  Colorado;  lying  at  the  foot  of  Pikes  peak  and  just  a  few 
miles  south  of  Colorado  Springs.  The  only  vacant  lands  in  this  township 
are  high  up  in  the  rough,  rocky  and  timber  covered  mountains.  Value,  $5 
per  acre.  Not  suitable  even  for  grazing,  but  the  scenery  cannot  be  excelled. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  8,000  feet.  Distance  from  rail- 
road, five  miles. 


El  Paso  County  09 


Township  16  S.,  R.  67  W. — The  north  and  west  portions  of  this  townsliip 
in  which  the  vacant  lands  occur,  is  rough,  steep  foothills,  cut  by  deep  gulches. 
This  whole  section  is  a  succession  of  high  mountains  and  canyons.  Very  poor 
grass.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation, 
6,500  feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  eight  miles. 

Township  17  S.,  R.  67  W. — This  township  lies  principally  in  the  rolling 
foothills,  it  is  a  succession  of  rough,  hilly  land,  broken  by  gulches  and  rim- 
rock,  covered  with  pinon  and  cedar  trees.  There  are  a  few  small  open  parks 
with  good  gramma  and  bunch  grass  and  timber.  These  latter  are  very  at- 
tractive. There  is  very  little  surface  water.  This  township  is  attractive  to 
look  at,  but  a  very  poor  place  to  live.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  20  inches. 
Elevation,  6,500  feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  ten  miles. 


FREMONT  COUNTY 

PUEBLO  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  403,007  Acres. 
DEL  NORTE  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  1,593  Acres. 
LEADVILLE  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  39,406  Acres. 

Fremont  county  is  located  in  tlie  south-central  portion  cf  the  f^tate,  just 
at  the  extreme  western  limit  of  the  great  plains.  Most  of  the  county  is 
rocky  and  mountainous,  with  very  fertile  valleys  interspersed  through  the 
mountains. 

Canon  City  is  an  attractive  and  important  city  of  about  6,500  people. 
It  is  the  county  seat.  The  next  town  of  importance  is  Florence,  with  a 
population  of  3,000.     The  population  of  the  county  is  18,181. 

The  industries  of  this  county  are  varied.  It  is  a  splendid  fruit  raising 
district  and  an  important  coal  mining  section,  and  the  location  of  a  produc- 
ing oil  field,  and  large  cement  mills. 

The  mountainous  area  of  the  county  are  practically  unsettled  and  filled 
with  many  small  valleys  and  natural  parks  that  should  be  settled. 

The  approximate  value  per  year  of  the  agricultural  products  is  as 
follows : 

Grains    $  35,000.00 

Hay     250,000.00 

Fruit     500,000.00 

Vegetables  and  otlier  crops 100,000.00 

The  soil  in  the  agricultural  district  in  Fremont  county  is  exceptionally 
fertile.  It  is  one  of  the  best  apple  producing  districts  in  the  State,  and 
while  its  agricultural  resources  are  not  as  well  known  as  its  scenic  attrac- 
tions, owing  to  this  being  the  location  of  the  far-famed  Royal  gorge  of  the 
Arkansas  river,  they  are  well  worth  investigating. 

PUEBLO   LAND   DISTRICT. 

Township  16  S.,  R.  68  W. — This  is  a  rough  and  mountainous  township 
throughout.  There  is  scattering  timber  of  small  growth.  Plenty  of  surface 
water.  Very  fair  grazing  land  in  the  rolling  hills.  Value,  $5  to  $7  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  8,000  feet.  Distance  from 
railroad,  three  miles. 

Township  17  S.,  R.  68  W. — Very  rough  and  hilly  land,  lying  in  the  foot- 
hills. The  surface  is  broken  by  deep  box  canyons  and  rimrocks,  and  is  cov- 
ered with  a  thick  growth  of  cedar  and  pinon  trees.  In  this  township  there 
are  a  few  fine  little  open  parks.  The  timber  makes  good  shelter  for  stock  in 
the  winter,  although  tlie  grazing  among  it  is  very  poor,  hut  in  tlie  open  places 
grazing  is  fine.  The  soil  is  very  loamy.  Value,  $3.50  to  $7  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  6  000  to  7,500  feet.  Distance  from  rail- 
road, nine  miles. 

Township  18  S.,  R.  68  W. — This  township  is  principally  rough  and  rocky 
land,  lying  in  the  foothills;  it  is  broken  by  deep  box  canyons  and  rimrocks 
covered  with  a  growth  of  scrub  timber.  The  timber  is  of  no  value  except 
as  shelter  for  stock.     The  grass  is  good  in  the  natural  parks.     This  town- 


Fremont  County  101 


ship  is  a  stock  country  only.     Value,  $3.50  to  $7  per  acre.     Annual  rainfall, 
10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  5,500  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  three  miles. 

Township  16  S.,  R.  69  W. — This  township  is  just  south  of  the  famous 
Cripple  Creek  mining  district.  It  is  a  very  hilly  country,  but  affords  good 
grazing.  There  are  a  few  trees  and  some  agricultural  land.  Value,  $5  to  $10 
per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  8,000  to  10,000  feet. 
Distance  from  railroad,  three  miles.    Crossed  by  abandoned  railroad. 

Township  17  S.,  R.  69  W. — This  township  is  mostly  rough  and  moun- 
tainous; broken  throughout  by  deep  canyons.  There  is  some  tillable  land 
along  the  creeks  and  in  the  natural  parks.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  This 
is  an  excellent  stock  country.  The  township  is  crossed  by  the  Florence  & 
Cripple  Creek  railroad,  which  has  been  abandoned  for  several  years.  Five 
miles  from  Canon  City,  the  county  seat  of  Fremont  county,  nearest  railroad 
station.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Elevation,  6,000  to  8,000  feet. 

Township  18  S.,  R.  69  W. — ^Mostly  prairie  lands  cut  by  bluffs  and  hog- 
backs. There  is  some  high  grazing  land  in  this  township.  Value,  $3.50  to 
$10  per  acre.  This  township  is  crossed  by  the  Florence  &  Cripple  Creek 
railroad,  which  is  no  longer  operated.  It  is  only  one  mile  from  a  trans- 
continental railroad  and  three  miles  from  the  county  seat,  Canon  City.  An- 
nual rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Elevation,  5,500  feet. 

Township  16  S.,  R.  70  W. — This  township  is  generally  rough  and  rocky. 
The  northern  part  lies  in  Teller  county  and  adjoins  the  famous  Cripple  Creek 
mining  district.  There  are  some  excellent  agricultural  lands  along  the 
streams.  There  is  not  much  grazing  land  and  very  little  timber.  Value, 
$3.50  for  the  rough  land,  and  to  $30  per  acre  for  the  best  meadow  lands. 
Elevation,  6,500  feet.     Rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.     Two  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  17  S.,  R.  70  W. — This  is  a  mountainous  township  containing 
little  land  suitable  for  cultivation.  There  are  some  level  farming  lands, 
however;  others  are  rough  and  broken,  suitable  only  for  grazing.  Value, 
$3.50  to  $10  per  acre.  Located  only  five  miles  from  Canon  City,  the  county 
seat  of  Fremont  counter.  Annual  rainfall,  16  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  5,500 
feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  four  miles. 

Township  18  S.,  R.  70  W. — In  the  southern  part  of  this  township  is 
located  Canon  City,  the  county  seat  of  Fremont  county.  This  township  is 
partially  level  land  and  partially  cut  by  rocky  rimrock  peaks.  The  vacant 
lands  are  in  the  extreme  northern  part  of  the  township  in  the  foothills. 
Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,500 
feet. 

Township  19  S.,  R.  70  W. — The  only  vacant  lands  in  this  township  are 
high  and  rough;  worthless  except  for  grazing  purposes.  Value,  $3.50  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  mches.  Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Several  spur 
railroads  to  the  large  coal  mines  in  this  township. 

Township  20  S.,  R.  70  W. — The  only  vacant  lands  in  this  township  are 
high  and  rough;  worthless  except  for  grazing  purposes.  Value,  $3.50  per 
acre.  A  coal  mining  section,  reached  by  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20 
inches.    Elevation,  6,000  feet. 

Township  16  S.,  R.  71  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  mostly  open 
country.  There  is  scarcely  any  timber.  High,  broken  and  mountainous. 
This  is  a  good  grazing  section.  Plenty  of  water  in  the  creeks  and  occasional 
springs.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 8,000  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  ten  miles. 


102  Fremont  County 


Township  17  S.,  R.  71  W. — This  township  contains  the  central  part  of  a 
park  about  twelve  miles  square,  called  Wilson  park.  It  is  surrounded  by- 
high  mountains.  On  account  of  the  high  altitude  and  the  scarcity  of  water, 
the  park  is  not  good  for  agricultural  purposes.  The  mountains  are  covered 
with  grass  and  with  small  pine  and  pinon  trees.  Value,  $3.50  to  $7  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  7,000  feet.  Distance  from 
railroad,  five  miles. 

Township  18  S.,  R.  71  W. — This  township  is  principally  high  plateau, 
cut  diagonally  by  the  Royal  gorge,  a  fissure  from  500  to  2,000  feet  in  depth. 
Some  of  the  high  bench  lands  are  being  successfully  farmed  without  irriga- 
tion. Portions  of  the  township  are  very  rough  and  mountainous  and  covered 
with  pine  and  spruce  timber  of  inferior  quality.  Some  of  the  land  in  this 
township  is  absolutely  worthless,  being  inaccessible.  Other  portions  are 
worth  from  $3.50  to  $10  per  acre.  This  towsnhip  is  crossed  by  a  good  trans- 
continental automobile  road,  which  is  a  feature  in  this  rough  country.  The 
railroad  follows  the  Arkansas  river  throughout  the  Royal  gorge  and  across 
the  township.     Annual  rainfall,  12  to  18  inches.     Elevation,  6,000  feet. 

Township  19  S.,  R.  71  W. — The  surface  is  very  rough  and  mountainous, 
being  quite  rocky  and  covered  with  timber.  Principally  s-iitable  for  grazing. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation, 
6,500  feet.     Three  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  20  S.,  R.  71  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  mostly 
mountainous,  with  a  small  portion  of  tillable  land  along  the  creek  bottoms. 
Some  yellow  pine  and  spruce  timber,  a  part  of  it  being  sawmill  size.  Plenty 
of  water.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Elevation,  6,500  feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  seven  miles. 

Township  16  S.,  R.  72  W. — The  surface  is  mountainous,  with  parks  and 
valleys  containing  some  good  tillable  land.  There  is  some  timber  and  a  part 
of  it  is  of  sawmill  size.  This  country  is  not  much  good  for  farming  on  ac- 
count of  the  small  size  of  the  valleys,  but  ofl'ers  good  opportunities  for 
stock  men.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Elevation,  8,000  feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  eight  miles. 

Township  17  S.,  R.  72  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  mostly 
mountainous,  covered  with  timber.  Very  good  grazing  section.  Well  watered 
by  creeks  and  numerous  springs  and  gulches.  There  is  a  little  arable  land 
of  excellent  quality.  This  is  principally  a  stock  country.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5 
per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Distance 
from  railroad,  three  miles. 

Township  18  S.,  R.  72  W. — This  is  a  very  rough  mountainous  section, 
containing  steep  gulches  and  ravines.  This  township  is  crossed  by  the 
Arkansas  river,  which  runs  in  a  canyon  practically  all  the  way  across  the 
township.  There  is  some  timber  and  a  little  grass.  Value,  $3,50  per  acre. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.     Elevation,  6,500  feet.     Crossed  by  railroad. 

Township  19  S,,  R.  72  W. — This  is  a  very  rough  and  mountainous  sec- 
tion, cut  by  sandstone  ridges  in  the  southern  part.  There  is  some  good 
grass,  with  considerable  timber  on  the  hills.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  7,000  feet.  Distance  from  rail- 
road, five  miles. 

Township  20  S.,  R.  72  W. — This  township  aff'ords  good  grazing,  but 
very  little  opportunity  for  cultivation  on  account  of  the  lack  of  water. 
There  are  a  few  springs  in  Sections  2,  9,  28  and  29,  which  comprise  all  the 


Fremont  County  103 


water  in  the  township.  There  are  indications  of  mineral,  and  a  scattered 
growth  of  pinon  trees.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15 
to  20  inches.    Elevation,  7,000  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  ten  miles. 

Township  16  S.,  R.  73  W. — This  township  is  mountainous  throughout. 
The  soil  is  sandy  and  gravelly.  There  is  some  timber.  First  class  bottom 
lands  along  the  creeks.  Rather  poor  grazing.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  8,500  feet.  Distance  from 
railroad,  ten  miles. 

Township  17  S.,  R.  73  W. — Portions  of  this  township  could  be  dry  farmed. 
Tallahassee  creek  furnishes  plenty  of  water  at  all  times.  The  surface  is 
generally  mountainous  and  broken.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  8,500  feet.  Distance  from  railroad, 
five  miles. 

Township  18  S.,  R.  73  W. — This  township  is  mountainous  throughout. 
There  are  some  good  spruce  and  pine  timber.  Good  grass  in  the  gulches. 
The  Arkansas  river  and  railroad  crosses  the  southeast  corner  of  the  town- 
ship. Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value, 
$3.50  to  $5  per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.     Elevation,  6,500  feet. 

Township  19  S.,  R.  73  W. — This  township  is  high  mountainous  rough 
land.  There  is  considerable  scrub  timber.  The  Arkansas  river  and  railroad 
crosses  the  northeast  corner  of  the  township.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Elevation,  6,500  feet. 

Township  20  S.,  R.  73  W. — The  north  and  west  portions  of  this  township 
are  hilly  and  mountainous;  while  the  central  and  southeast  portions  are 
attractive  and  fertile  parks.  There  are  no  streams  of  running  water,  but 
there  are  several  fine  springs.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall, 
15  to  20  inches.     Elevation,  7,500  feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  eight  miles. 

Township  49  N.,  R.  10  E. — This  township  is  exceedingly  mountainous. 
The  soil  is  of  poor  quality.  There  is  some  good  pine  timber  in  the  central 
portion.  The  Arkansas  river  and  railroad  crosses  the  southwestern  part  of 
this  township.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Elevation,  6,500  feet. 

Township  47  N.,  R.  11  E. — This  township  extends  from  the  Arkansas 
river  south  to  the  top  of  the  Sangre  de  Cristo  range.  The  southern  portion 
is  very  rough  and  broken,  and  included  in  the  San  Isabel  national  forest. 
The  mountainous  section  is  very  rough  and  broken.  All  of  the  creeks  run 
through  deep  canyons,  making  it  impassable  for  man  or  beast.  In  the  north- 
ern portion  there  is  some  good  farming  land  along  the  different  streams. 
There  is  considerable  cedar,  pinon  and  scrub  oak  underbrush.  Value,  $3.50 
to  $5  per  acre.  Very  good  grazing  land.  The  railroad  touches  the  northern 
boundary.     Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.     Elevation,  7,500  feet. 

Township  48  N.,  R.  11  E. — The  Arkansas  river  crosses  the  western  and 
southern  portions  of  the  townhsip,  also  a  railroad.  There  is  some  land  along 
the  bottoms  suitable  for  cultivation.  The  rest  of  the  township  is  very 
rough  indeed,  and  only  valuable  as  pasturage  for  goats.  Value,  $3.50  per 
acre.     Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.     Elevation,  6,500  feet. 

Township  49  N.,  R.  11  E. — A  rough  township  lying  well  up  in  the 
mountains;  heavily  timbered  in  portions  with  spruce  and  pine.  A  good 
summer  pasturage.  Comparatively  well  watered.  Not  suitable  for  agricul- 
tural purposes.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  Distance  from  railroad,  two  miles. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.     Elevation,  8,500  feet. 


104  Fremont  County 


Township  50  N.,  R.  11  E. — This  township  is  mountainous  throughout. 
The  greater  portion  is  so  rough  and  broken  as  to  be  almost  impassable.  It 
is  well  watered  by  numerous  springs  and  gulches.  There  is  some  good  hay 
land  along  the  larger  gulches.  Not  much  timber  of  consequence,  although 
some  aspen  and  scrub  pines.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall, 
15  to  20  inches.     Elevation,  9,000  feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  six  miles. 

Township  51  N.,  R.  11  E. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  mountainous. 
The  soil  is  loamy  and  produces  bunch  and  buffalo  grass.  The  southern  tier 
of  sections  have  some  good  pine  and  spruce  timber.  Good  grazing  section  and 
occupied  by  stockmen.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to 
20  inches.     Elevation,  9,000  feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  ten  miles. 

Township  47  N.,  R.  12  E. — This  township  is  comparatively  level,  but 
with  some  rough  portion.  There  is  some  very  fine  hay  lands  in  the  south- 
eastern portion.  The  hay  lands  are  all  taken  up.  The  uplands  afford  very 
good  grazing.  The  extreme  northern  portion  of  the  township  is  very  rough 
and  covered  with  huge  boulders.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 15  to  20  inches.     Elevation,  7,500  feet.     Crossed  by  railroad. 

Township  48  N.,  R.  12  E. — This  township  is  crossed  by  the  Arkansas  river 
and  railroad.  It  is  very  rough  and  rocky,  mountainous  land,  suitable  only 
for  grazing.  Plenty  of  water.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to 
20  inches.     Elevation,  6,500  feet. 

Township  49  N.,  R.  12  E. — The  surface  is  very  mountainous,  with  several 
high  peaks.  There  is  very  little  level  land.  The  soil  is  poor,  excepting 
in  the  very  narrow  valleys  along  the  creeks  and  gulches.  Value,  $3.50  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  7,500  feet.  Distance 
from  railroad,  three  miles. 

Township  50  N.,  R.  12  E. — This  township  is  rocky  and  mountainous. 
There  is  scruby  pinon  on  all  of  the  mountains.  The  soil  is  generally  poor. 
Good  grazing  in  the  creek  bottoms  and  gulches.  Suitable  only  for  stock 
raising.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation, 
9,000  to  11,000  feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  ten  miles. 

Township  51  N.,  R.  12  E. — This  township  is  well  watered  and  raises  good 
grass.  The  surface  is  generally  stony.  Only  valuable  for  grazing.  Value,  $3.50 
to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  9,500  feet.  Dis- 
tance from  railroad,  twelve  miles. 

DEL  NORTE  LAND  DISTRICT. 

Township  48  N.,  R.  10  E. — This  township  is  mostly  mountainous.  There 
is  a  little  farming,  altho  the  soil  is  not  good.  Along  the  Arkansas  river  there 
is  a  nice  valley  with  excellent  soil.  The  township  is  well  watered  by  a  num- 
ber of  streams  and  there  is  considerable  timber.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 
The  southwest  portion  of  this  township  lies  along  the  crest  of  the  Sangre 
de  Cristo  range  and  is  included  in  the  San  Isabel  national  forest.  It  is 
crossed  by  railroad.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  25  inches.    Elevation,  7,500  feet. 

LEADVILLE  LAND  DISTRICT. 

Township  50  N.,  R.  10  E. — A  very  mountainous  and  rocky  district,  on  top 
of  the  Arkansas  hills;  covered  with  scrubby  pine  and  pinon  on  the  mountain 
tops,  but  good  grass  on  many  of  the  slopes  and  along  Badger  creek.  The  soil 
is  not  very  good.  Only  a  grazing  district.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  Distance  from 
railroad,  three  miles.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Elevation,  8,000  feet. 


Fremont  County  i05 


Township  51  N.,  R.  10  E. — An  extremely  rough  and  mountainous  town- 
ship lying  on  top  of  the  Arkansas  hills.  Some  scrubby  pine  and  pinon  timber. 
Fair  grass  on  the  slope  and  along  Badger  creek.  Strictly  a  grazing  section; 
cannot  be  irrigated  or  cultivated.  The  timber  is  of  no  value.  Value,  $3.50 
per  acre.  Distance  from  railroad,  eight  miles.  Elevation,  9,000  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 


GARFIELD  COUNTY 

GLENWOOD  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  978,489  Acres. 

Garfield  county  is  located  in  the  west-central  portion  of  Colorado.  It  is 
crossed  by  the  Grand  river,  along  which  there  is  a  very  fertile  but  narrow 
valley. 

Garfield  county  is  a  large  county,  sparsely  settled,  and  offers  many  op- 
portunities to  the  homeseeker.  There  are  two  distinct  coal  fields  across  the 
county,  and  important  coal  mines  at  New  Castle.  Glenwood  Springs,  the 
county  seat,  is  a  popular  summer  resort;  it  has  a  population  of  2,500.  The 
total  population  of  the  county  is  only  10,000. 

The  approximate  value  per  year  of  the  agricultural  products  is  as  follows: 

Wheat   and  grain    $260,000.00 

Hay 600,000.00 

Vegetables    400,000.00 

Fruits  and  other  crops 250,000.00 

It  should  be  noted  that  Carbondale,  perhaps  the  most  famous  potato-rais- 
ing district  in  the  world,  is  located  in  Garfield  county.  Carbondale  potatoes 
are  the  ones  that  are  wrapped  separately  in  a  piece  oi  paper  like  peaches  and 
bring  higher  prices  than  any  other  potato  grown  in  the  United  States. 

Township  3  S.,  R.  87  W. — A  mountainous  township  with  a  rich,  black  loam 
soil.  An  abundance  of  moisture  produces  fine  growth  of  grass,  making  this 
an  excellent  grazing  district.  Some  of  the  land  is  suitable  for  irrigation. 
The  western  portion  of  the  township  is  included  in  the  White  River  national 
forest.  Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre.  Located  eight  miles  from  railroad.  An- 
nual rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Elevation,  7,000  feet. 

Township  4  S.,  R.  87  W. — A  mountainous  country  consisting  of  rolling 
mesas  cut  by  deep  canyons.  The  soil  is  a  deep,  rich,  black  loam  in  some 
places,  however,  covered  with  rock  and  stone.  In  general,  the  land  is  good 
tor  agricultural  purposes,  and  crops  can  be  grown  without  irrigation.  There 
are  numerous  natural  meadows  affording  natural  grazing.  Timber  is  quite 
abundant.  This  is  a  very  attractive  country.  The  western  portion  of  the 
township  is  included  in  the  Holy  Cross  national  forest.  Elevation,  7,000  feet. 
Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Distance  from  railroad,  two  miles.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 10  to  15  inches. 

Township  5  S.,  R.  87  W. — This  township  is  crossed  by  the  Grand  river  and 
railroad.  There  are  some  bottom  lands  along  the  river  and  considerable  mesa 
land  on  the  benches.  The  mesas  are  dry  and  barren  and  are  covered  with  a 
soil  that  requires  irrigation;  back  of  these  are  hills  less  barren  and  dry,  suit- 
able for  grazing.  There  is  some  timber  throughout  the  township.  Elevation, 
6,500  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  6  S.,  R.  87  W. — A  hilly  township  on  the  divide  between  Grand 
river  and  Roaring  Fork.  There  is  agricultural  land  in  small  parks  and  along 
Coulter  creek.  This  township  is  mostly  mountainous  with  a  loamy  soil  and 
numerous  rocky  places.  Grains,  vegetables  and  hay  grow  well  here  when 
irrigated.  There  is  considerable  aspen  and  cottonwood  timber  on  part  of  the 
township.  Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre.  Distance  from  railroad,  three  miles.  Ele- 
vation, 7,800  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 


Garfield  County  107 


Township  7  S.,  R.  87  W. — Considerable  land  in  this  township  is  suitable 
for  cultivation.  It  is  a  dry  section,  however,  that  requires  irrigation.  Nearly 
all  of  the  township  furnishes  good  grazing  for  cattle  and  horses.  A  railroad 
crosses  the  township.  Elevation,  7,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Value,  $4  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  6  S.,  R.  88  W. — This  is  a  mountainous  township  with  a  rocky 
soil  of  poor  quality.  There  is  no  timber,  but  a  dense  undergrowth  of  scrub 
oak.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation, 
7,900  feet.    The  northwestern  corner  is  crossed  by  a  railroad. 

Township  7  S.,  R.  88  W. — In  this  township  is  located  Carbondale,  the 
famous  potato-raising  district.  There  is  considerable  rolling  land  here,  nat- 
urally covered  with  a  dense  underbrush,  also  numerous  groves  of  aspen  in 
the  gulches.  Fine  valley  land  is  to  be  found  along  the  river  in  the  southern 
portion.  There  are  many  fine  ranches  in  this  section.  Considerable  water  in 
evidence.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  inclies.  Crossed  by  two 
railroads.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  8  S.,  R.  88  W.— See  Pitkin  county. 

Township  5  S.,  R.  89  W. — This  township  lies  in  the  hills  just  north  of  the 
Grand  river.  The  land  is  mostly  rough  and  mountainous,  being  crossed  by 
several  creeks  along  which  there  are  agricultural  lands.  Located  two  miles 
from  Glenwood  Springs,  the  county  seat.  Elevation,  6,500  to  10,000  feet.  An- 
nual rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to  $10  per  acre.  Crossed  by 
railroad. 

Township  6  S.,  R.  89  W. — This  township  is  crossed  by  the  Grand  river 
and  is  at  the  junction  of  the  Grand  and  Roaring  Fork  rivers.  Glenwood 
Springs,  the  county  seat,  is  located  at  this  junction.  The  valley  lands  along 
the  river  are  taken  up.  The  general  character  of  the  township  is  rough  and 
mountainous;  the  mountains  being  very  steep.  Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Elevation,  6,500  feet. 

Township  7  S.,  R.  89  W. — A  mountainous,  rolling  surface.  Most  of  the 
timber  has  been  burnt,  but  the  surface  is  covered  with  a  dense  underbrush  of 
scrub  oak  and  aspen.  This  is  a  good  grazing  district.  In  this  township  there 
are  some  good  farming  lands  and  a  few  coal  deposits.  Crossed  by  Roaring 
Fork  river  and  a  railroad.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  5  S.,  R.  90  W. — This  township  is  entirely  mountainous.  It  is 
traversed  by  three  or  four  narrow,  fertile  valleys.  The  hillsides  are  covered 
with  oak  and  aspen  brush,  together  with  a  rank  growth  of  grass.  The  lands 
in  this  district  are  especially  valuable  for  grazing  purposes.  During  the  spring 
and  rainy  season  the  small  streams  in  the  valleys  supply  water  for  stock. 
Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  6,500 
to  8,500  feet. 

Township  6  S.,  R.  90  W. — The  surface  is  covered  principally  with  oak 
brush.  There  is  considerable  timber.  The  southern  portion  is  very  rough 
and  mountainous.  This  is  a  coal  mining  district  and  there  are  very  few 
opportunities  for  settlers  contemplating  farming,  but  excellent  opportunities 
for  stock  raising.  Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre.  Crossed  by  railroad.  Elevation, 
6,000  to  7,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  7  S.,  R.  90  W. — A  rough,  broken  township  not  surveyed. 


108  Garfield  County 


Township  5  S.,  R.  91  W, — In  Elk  Creek  valley,  which  crosses  the  township, 
there  are  good  acricultural  lands.  In  general  the  entire  township  is  moun- 
tainous with  more  or  less  timber.  There  is  good  grazing  along  the  creeks  and 
gulches.  A  coal  mining  district.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to 
15  inches.    Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre.    Distance  from  a  railroad,  one  mile. 

Township  6  S.,  R.  91  W. — A  greater  portion  of  this  township  is  pinon- 
covered  hills.  A  considerable  portion  is  open,  affording  excellent  grazing 
lands.  Some  coal  mining  is  being  carried  on.  Crossed  by  railroad.  Elevation, 
5,500  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $5  to  $10    per  acre. 

Township  7  S.,  R.  91  W. — A  rough,  mountainous  township  adapted  princi- 
pally to  grazing.  Good  grass  is  abundant  and  water  plentiful.  The  lands  along 
the  creek  battoms  are  in  general  narrow  strips.  The  soil  is  stony  and  rocky 
but  naturally  fertile  and  covered  with  a  dense  undergrowth  of  brush  There 
is  considerable  timber,  but  not  of  commercial  value.  Located  five  mile3  from 
a  railroad.  Elevation,  6,000  to  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  8  S.,  R.  91  W. — The  western  portion  of  this  township  is  watered 
by  West  Divide  creek,  along  which  there  are  fine  lands.  The  remainder  is 
mountainous,  but  there  are  many  places  that  could  be  cultivated  with  profit. 
On  account  of  the  rich  soil,  dry  farming  is  carried  on  with  great  success. 
Grass  is  fairly  abundant  in  the  mountains.  Located  twelve  miles  from  a 
railroad.  Elevation,  7,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value, 
$4  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  4  S.,  R.  92  W. — The  surface  is  mountainous  and  very  rough, 
with  the  exception  of  narrow  strips  of  level,  rolling  lands  along  the  valleys 
of  the  creeks  and  along  the  bottoms  of  the  gulches  and  canons.  There  are 
small  areas  of  mesa  land  in  various  portions  of  the  township,  usually  on  the 
mountain  tops.  The  soil  varies  from  a  poor  sandy  clay  to  a  rich,  deep  loam 
of  remarkable  fertility.  The  lands  along  the  bottoms  produce  a  fine  grass 
for  grazing  purposes.  Some  timber  is  in  evidence.  This  is  a  beautiful  country. 
Located  eight  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall, 
15  to  20  inches.    Value,  $4  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  5  S.,  R.  92  W. — Fine  crops  are  raised  along  the  river  and  creek 
bottoms,  and  many  good  ranches  are  to  be  found  in  this  section.  There  is  not 
much  timber,  although  along  the  slopes  of  the  Big  Hogback,  cedar  and  pinon 
timber  is  in  evidence.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre.    Located  two  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  6  S.,  R.  92  W. — Along  Grand  river,  which  crosses  the  township, 
there  are  some  very  fine  agricultural  lands.  To  the  north  of  the  river  there 
is  a  low  mesa  country,  called  Cactus  Valley,  containing  a  few  cedar  and 
pinon  covered  hills.  South  of  the  river  the  country  is  more  broken,  and  just 
west  of  Mann  creek  there  is  a  very  level  mesa  covered  with  dense  under- 
brush. Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Crossed  by 
a  railroad.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  7  S.,  R.  92  W. — This  township  is  a  high  mesa,  covered  mostly 
with  sage  oak  and  patches  of  cedar  and  pinons.  There  are  fertile  lands  along 
the  creek  bottoms,  well  watered  by  runnmg  streams.  A  number  of  years  ago, 
when  Ex-President  Roosevelt  made  a  hunting  trip  to  this  State,  he  killed 
many  bear  hunting  along  the  headwaters  of  Mann  creek  in  this  section. 

Township  8  S.,  R.  92  W. — The  soil  in  this  township  varies  from  a  light 
red  to  a  black,  rich  loam  of  good  depth  and  fine  texture.     There  are  good 


Garfield  County  109 


water  holes  in  this  section.  The  northern  portion  consists  of  mesa  lands  and 
the  bottom  lands  are  suitable  for  cultivation.  Farming  is  carried  on  here — 
both  irrigation  and  the  modified  dry  farming  methods — and  are  meeting  with 
good  success.  Distance  from  a  railroad,  ten  miles.  Elevation,  7,000  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  The  western 
half  is  included  in  the  Battlement  Mesa  National  Forest. 

Township  4  S.,  R.  93  W. — There  is  good  soil  in  the  creek  valleys,  also  in 
the  uplands  and  wide  flats  and  mesas.  There  is  enough  water  in  this  township 
to  irrigate  the  bottom  lands,  but  water  must  be  brounght  from  a  considerable 
distance  to  irrigate  the  uplands.  There  is  some  coal  in  this  section,  and  some 
timber.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Located  ten 
miles  from  a  railroad.    Value,  $4  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  5  S.,  R.  93  W. — The  southwest  corner  of  this  township  is  rough 
and  worthless.  The  northern  portion  is  cut  by  the  Great  Hogback.  Along 
Government  creek,  which  crosses  the  township  diagonally  in  a  northwestern 
and  southeastern  direction,  the  soil  is  first-class.  There  are  mesas  on  each 
side  of  this  creek,  which,  if  cultivated,  would  produce  corps  of  vegetables  and 
grains.  Gypsum  and  coal  are  found  in  this  township.  Located  three  miles 
from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Value,  $3.50  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  6  S.,  R.  93  W. — This  township  is  crossed  by  the  Grand  river 
and  railroad.  The  southern  and  southeastern  portions  are  extremely  rougli 
and  broken.  Along  the  river  and  Rifle  creek  there  are  fine  bottom  lands, 
which  have  all  been  taken  up  for  the  last  thirty  years.  Elevation,  5,500  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  7  S.,  R.  93  W. — The  lands  in  this  township  are  nearly  all  moun- 
tainous, consisting  of  rolling  mesas  and  narrow  valleys.  The  soil  is  mostly 
a  sandy  loam,  inclining  to  be  rocky.  Along  the  valleys  there  are  rich  patches 
of  narrow,  black  loam,  suitable  for  farming.  There  is  some  timber  in  the 
southern  and  northern  portions.  A  rank  growth  of  sage  brush  is  to  be  found 
in  both  the  valleys  and  on  the  mesas.  Distance  from  railroad,  three  miles. 
Value,  $4  to  $10  per  acre.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches. 

Township  8  S.,  R.  93  W. — This  township  lies  high  up  on  Battlement  mesa, 
with  the  exception  of  a  small  portion  in  the  northeastern  corner.  In  general,  the 
surface  is  mountainous  and  covered  with  oak  and  spruce  timber.  There  is 
also  some  good  spruce  timber  on  the  high  ridges.  Tliere  is  a  fine  supply  of 
water,  making  this  an  excellent  grazing  country.  Elevation,  7,000  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Located  ten  miles  from  a  railroad.  Value, 
$3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  4  S.,  R.  94  W. — Located  on  top  of  the  Divide,  between  the 
Grand  and  White  rivers.  This  township  is  well  watered  by  several  creeks  and 
their  branches.  Some  timber  is  in  evidence.  There  is  only  a  little  land  avail- 
able for  cultivation.  Ten  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  7,000  feet.  An- 
nual rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  5  S.,  R.  94  W. — A  very  high,  rough,  mountainous  township. 
Only  three  sections  have  been  surveyed.     There  is  no  agricultural  land  here. 

Township  6  S.,  R.  94  W. — This  township  is  crossed  by  the  Grand  river 
and  railroad.  The  southern  portion  is  well  settled  and  all  of  the  land  is 
under  cultivation.  The  northern  portion  is  very  rough  and  mountainous,  being 
unfit  for  settlement  or  cultivation.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Elevation,  6,000 
^^(t.     Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 


110  Garfield  County 


Township  7  S.,  R.  94  W. — The  southern  half  of  this  township  is  located 
on  the  northern  slope  of  the  Battlement  mesa  and  is  included  in  the  national 
forest.  It  is  very  precipitous.  In  the  northern  portion  the  soil  is  very  fertile. 
The  slopes  are  steep  and  covered  with  a  natural  growth  of  underbrush  and 
abundance  of  grass.  There  are  fertile  valleys  along  the  creek  bottoms.  The 
portion  adjacent  to  the  uplands  are  suited  to  cultivation.  This  is  considered 
by  many  to  be  an  excellent  dry  farming  district.  There  is  some  timber  in  the 
township.  Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 5,500  to  8,000  feet.     One  mile  from  railroad. 

Township  5  S.,  R.  95  W. — A  rough,  mountainous  district  unsurveyed. 

Township  6  S.,  R.  95  W. — The  Grand  river  and  railroad  crosses  the  south- 
ern portion  of  this  district.  Outside  of  the  river  valleys,  which  are  all  taken 
up,  the  township  lies  on  top  of  a  very  high  mesa  with  steep  precipitious  sides. 
There  are  small  areas  of  land  here  available  for  cultivation.  Value,  $3.50 
per  acre.    Elevation,  8,500  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  7  S.,  R.  95  W. — This  township  lies  on  the  northwestern  slope 
of  Battlement  mesa.  A  large  portion  of  the  land  is  either  excellent  grazing 
land  or  suitable  for  cultivation.  The  southern  portion  is  very  mountainous, 
ranging  to  an  altitude  of  3,000  feet  higher  than  the  Grand  river,  which 
crosses  the  northern  portion,  A  small  amount  of  timber  is  found  here.  A 
railroad  crosses  this  township.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to 
15  inches.    Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  8  S.,  R.  95  W. — The  northeastern  corner  of  this  township  is 
the  only  portion  not  included  in  the  national  forest.  Well  watered  by  Wallace 
creek  and  its  tributaries.  This  is  a  good  grazing  district.  The  mountain 
sides  are  covered  with  a  dense  growth  of  scrub  oak.  There  is  an  abundance  of 
balsam  and  quaking  asp  timber.  The  soil  on  the  creek  bottoms  is  excellent. 
Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Located  three  miles 
from  a  railroad.     Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  5  S.,  R.  96  W. — A  mountainous  township  not  surveyed. 

Township  6  S.,  R.  96  W. — This  township  is  mountainous  in  character  and 
used  for  grazing  purposes  except  the  bottoms  of  Parachute  creek,  and  some 
of  the  wider  gulches  where  the  land  is  level  and  gently  rolling.  There  is  a 
little  timber  in  this  township.  Most  of  the  surface  lies  on  top  of  high,  inac- 
cessible ridges.  Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Distance 
from  railroad,  three  miles.     Annual  Rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  7  S.,  R.  96  W. — This  township  is  crossed  by  the  Grand  river  and 
a  railroad.  Along  the  river  bottoms  there  are  some  good  agricultural  lands. 
The  rest  of  the  township  is  generally  rocky  and  mountainous  and  of  no  value, 
except  for  grazing.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Value,  $3.50  per  acre. 

Township  5  S.,  R.  97  W. — This  township  is  located  on  top  of  a  high  mesa 
of  an  elevation  of  8,500  feet,  being  too  high  for  farming,  but  affords  good 
grazing.  There  is  a  little  timber,  and  some  springs  are  in  evidence.  Value 
|3.50  per  acre.  Located  fifteen  miles  from  a  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to 
15  inches. 

Township  6  S.,  R.  97  W. — This  township  is  very  mountainous,  composed 
of  rough  ridges  divided  by  streams;  the  gulches  are  high  and  rough.  There 
is  considerable  water  found  in  many  gulches  and  canyons,  being  sufficient 
for  stock.    The  soil  is  thin  and  poor,  being  upfit  fof  Qultivjition.    There  is  an 


Garfield  County  111 


abundance  of  excellent  grass  in  this  township,  making  it  well  adapted  for 
grazing  purposes.  Pinon  timber  is  quite  plentiful  and  there  is  some  pine 
located  on  top  of  the  high  mesas.  Elevation,  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10 
to  15  inches.    Distance  from  railroad,  six  miles.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  7  S.,  R.  97  W. — A  very  mountainous  township,  composed  prin- 
cipally of  ridges  which  are  high,  abrupt  and  rocky,  divided  by  streams.  The 
soil  is  thin  and  poor,  being  unfit  for  cultivation.  Water  is  found  in  the 
ravines  and  gulches,  which  are  generally  dry  a  large  portion  of  the  year. 
This  is  a  fine  grazing  country,  there  being  an  abundance  of  blue  grass.  Some 
timber.  Elevation,  6,000  to  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Value,  $3.50  per  acre.     Distance  from  railroad,  three  miles. 

Township  5  S.,  R.  98  W. — This  township  lies  on  top  of  a  high  plateau 
at  an  elevation  of  8,500  feet.  The  elevation  is  too  high  for  farming,  conse- 
quently this  township  is  only  fit  for  summer  grazing.  This  district  is  rather 
barren,  the  growth  of  grass  being  very  scant.  In  the  canyons  there  are  a  few 
running  creeks  and  along  the  ridges  are  found  a  few  pines  and  scattering 
groves  of  aspens.  Distance  from  railroad,  eighteen  miles.  Annual  rainfall, 
10  to  15  inches.     Value,  $3.50  per  acre.     Elevation,  8,000  feet. 

Township  6  S.,  R.  98  W. — A  very  mountainous,  rough  and  broken  town- 
ship; the  ridges  dividing  the  streams  are  high,  abrupt  and  rocky.  Roan 
creek  carries  running  water.  The  soil  is  of  poor  quality  and  unfit  for  cul- 
tivation. Aspen,  pinon  and  spruce  are  found  throughout  the  district.  This 
is  a  fine  grazing  section.  Located  twelve  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation, 
6,000  to  8,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $3.50  per  acre. 

Township  7  S.,  R.  98  W. — A  rough,  broken,  mountainous  township.  The 
ridges  between  the  water  courses  are  high  and  rocky.  There  is  some  good 
soil  along  Lone  creek ;  but  in  general  it  is  quite  sandy.  There  is  an  abundance 
of  running  water  and  grass  throughout,  making  this  a  good  grazing  section. 
Pinon  and  cedar  timber  covers  most  of  this  district.  Located  five  miles  from 
a  railroad.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall, 
10  to  15  inches. 

Township  5  S.,  R.  99  W. — A  rough  township  on  the  southern  slope  of 
Book  Cliffs  plateau.  The  southern  portion  is  broken  by  canyons  and  almost 
inaccessible.  In  the  northwestern  and  northeastern  corner  the  small  streams 
and  low  ridges  afford  good  grazing  during  the  summer.  Most  of  this  town- 
ship lies  at  an  elevation  of  about  8,000  feet  and  contains  no  agricultural 
land.  Distance  from  railroad,  twenty  miles.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.     Value,  $3.50  per  acre. 

Township  6  S,,  R.  99  W. — A  very  rough,  mountainous  district;  the  ridges 
between  the  streams  being  high  and  abrupt  and  very  rocky.  There  is  con- 
siderable water  in  the  gulches.  The  soil  is  too  poor  to  cultivate,  except 
along  the  valley  of  the  larger  streams,  where  agricultural  lands  are  quite 
good.  A  good  grazing  district.  The  surface  is  covered  with  a  scattering 
growth  of  pinon,  pine  and  cedar.  Distance  from  railroad,  fifteen  miles. 
Elevation,  6,000  to  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $3.50 
to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  7  S.,  R.  99  W. — A  very  rough  district,  crossed  east  and  west 
by  two  barren,  high,  rolling  mesas,  the  bluffs  of  which  are  rocky  and  abrupt. 
Along  the  principal  streams  there  is  excellent  soil,  but  in  other  portions  of 
the  township  the  soil  is  very  poor.  There  is  considerable  pinon  timber  and 
an  abundance  of  bunch  and  blue  grass.     This  section  is  well  adapted  to  graz- 


112  Garfield  County 


ing   purposes.     Located    twelve   miles    from    a   railroad.      Elevation,   6,000   to 
8,000  feet.     Anmial  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  5  S.,  R.  100  W. — This  township  is  located  on  top  of  the  Book 
cliffs  and  is  too  high  in  altitude  for  agricultural  purposes,  not  even  good  for 
grazing.  This  is  a  rough,  mountainous  section.  The  timber  is  mostly 
aspen  and  pine.  Distance  from  railroad,  thirty  miles.  Elevation,  8,500  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Value,  $3.50  per  acre. 

Township  6  S.,  R.  100  W.— A  rough,  mountainous  township  on  the  south- 
ern slope  of  the  Book  cliffs;  it  is  cut  by  liigh  mesas  and  deep  canyons.  The 
mesas  are  rough  and  rocky,  covered  with  scattering  pine  and  aspen  timber. 
There  is  an  abundance  of  grass  and  water.  Located  at  the  headwaters  oi 
Roan  creek.  Distance  from  railroad,  twenty  miles.  Elevation,  7,000  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Value,  $3.50  per  acre. 

Township  7  S.,  R.  100  W. — A  very  rough,  broken  district  at  the  top  of 
Little  Book  cliffs.  The  streams  run  through  deep  canyons  between  abrupt 
and  rocky  ridges.  None  of  the  soil  is  suitable  for  cultivation.  There  is  an 
abundance  of  grass  and  water,  making  this  section  well  adapted  for  grar.- 
ing  purposes.  Pinon  and  cedar  timber  is  quite  plentiful.  Located  fifteen 
miles  from  a  railroad.  Eelevation,  6,000  to  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to 
15  inches.    Value,  $3.50  per  acre. 

Township  5  S.,  R.  101  W, — A  high,  mountainous,  elevated  plateau,  with 
considerable  timber,  consisting  of  pine,  spruce  and  aspen.  The  sides  of  the 
canyons,  south  of  tlie  divide,  are  very  sharp,  covered  with  blue  joint  grass, 
while  in  the  gulches  rye  grass  prevails.  This  is  a  fair  summer  grazing  dis- 
trict, but  too  high  and  mountainous  for  winter  grazing.  There  are  no  agri- 
cultural lands..  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Located  eight  miles  from  a  railroad. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to   15  inches  . 

Township  6  S.,  R.  101  W. — In  this  district  there  is  a  little  land  at  the 
headwaters  of  the  Salt  Wash  creek  under  cultivation  by  means  of  irrigation 
The  rest  of  the  township  is  rough  and  mountainous.  Scrub  cedar  and  pinon 
timber  is  found  on  the  high  places  and  there  are  a  few  groves  of  aspen.  This 
is  a  good  grazing  section.  Located  fifteen  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation, 
6,000  to  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5 
per  acre. 

Township  7  S.,  R.  101  W. — This  township  is  principally  rough  and  moun- 
tainous. There  is  very  little  agricultural  land.  What  land  there  is  suitable 
for  agriculture  is  along  the  benches  of  Salt  Wash  creek,  which  would  require 
irrigation,  this  would  mean  the  construction  of  storage  reservoirs.  The  tim- 
ber is  nearly  all  scrub  cedar,  pinon  and  aspen,  with  a  few  groves  of  pine. 
Most  of  this  township  is  covered  with  an  undergrowth  of  scrub  oak  and 
sage  brush  and  is  well  adapted  to  grazing,  being  covered  with  a  fine  growth 
of  nutritious  grasses.  Elevation,  7,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.     Located  fifteen  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  5  S.  R.  102  W. — A  very  rough  mountainous  township  on  top 
of  Roan  plateau.  There  is  considerable  growth  of  scattering  pine,  spruce  and 
aspen  timber.  This  is  a  good  summer  range  for  cattle.  Too  high  for  winter 
range  and  contains  no  agricultural  lands.  Located  one  mile  from  railroad. 
Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Elevation,  7,000  to  9,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to 
15  inches. 

Township  6  S.,  R.  102  W. — A  mountainous  township  on  the  southern 
slope  of  Roan  plateau  and  at  the  headwaters  of  East  Salt  creek.     The  soil 


Garfield  County  113 


is  generally  poor.  There  is  considerable  scrub  cedar  and  pinon;  also  an  un- 
dergrowth of  scrub  oak  and  sage  brush.  The  surface  is  generally  moun- 
tainous. This  is  a  grazing  district  only.  Located  eight  miles  from  a  rail- 
road. Elevation,  6,000  to  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value, 
$3.50  per  acre. 

Township  7  S.,  R.  102  W. — This  township  is  wholly  mountainous.  There 
is  a  little  grass,  sage  brush  and  grease  wood  with  an  abundance  of  scrub 
cedar  and  pinon  throughout  the  rocky  portions.  There  are  occasional  alka- 
line water  holes,  but  no  living  streams.  No  coal  indications  in  this  town- 
ship, but  a  brown  shale  is  found  that  burns  with  the  odor  of  naptha.  Eleva- 
tion, 5,000  to  6,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Located  eight 
miles  from  railroad.     Value,  $3.50  per  acre. 

Township  5  S.,  R.  103  W. — A  rough,  mountainous  township  on  the  crest 
of  Roan  plateau,  being  on  the  divide  between  the  Grand  and  White  rivers. 
In  general  it  is  covered  with  a  scattering  growth  of  spruce,  pine  and  aspen 
timber.  Rye  grass  grows  in  most  of  the  gulches.  There  are  good  springs 
of  living  water  in  sections  14  and  15.  There  is  also  water  in  most  of  the 
gulches,  near  their  heads,  but  it  disappears  and  sinks  in  the  rough,  sandy 
soil.  This  township  is  a  fine  summer  range  for  stock,  but  too  high  for  any 
other  purposes.  Elevation,  7,000  to  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.     Value,  $3.50  per  acre.     A  railroad  crosses  this  township. 

Township  6  S.,  R.  103  W. — A  rough  and  mountainous  section,  covered 
with  scrub  cedar  and  pinon,  also  with  a  dense  undergrowth  of  sage  brush. 
The  entire  township  is  well  adapted  to  stock  grazing  and  raising  on  account 
of  it  being  covered  with  a  good  growth  of  nutritious  grasses.  Stock  can 
feed  here  all  year  round  on  the  open  range.  Coal  formations  extend  througli 
the  township  and  there  is  an  abundance  of  water  for  stock,  but  not  enougli 
for  irrigation  unless  retained  by  storage  reservoirs,  in  which  case  a  few 
small  patches  could  be  placed  under  cultivation.  This  district  is  crossed  by 
a  railroad.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value, 
$3.50  per  acre. 

Township  7  S.,  R.  103  W. — This  township  is  what  is  known  as  the  Fruita 
desert  and  is  considered  to  include  the  best  winter  range  in  this  part  of  the 
State.  Water  could  be  placed  on  this  land  as  the  soil  is  good  and  the  sur- 
face is  comparatively  level,  although  broken  by  some  arroyos  and  gulches. 
The  northern  section  is  mountainous  and  is  covered  with  a  dense  growth  of 
sage,  greasewood  and  rabbit  brush.  The  water  in  this  township  is  alkaline 
Located  three  miles  from  a  railroad.  Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 10  to  15  inches.     Elevation,  5,000  to  7,000  feet. 

Township  5  S.,  R.  104  W. — An  unsurveyed  township. 

Township  6  S.,  R.  104  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rough  and 
mountainous  throughout,  having  but  very  little  agricultural  land;  and  is  in 
general  covered  with  a  fine  growth  of  good,  nutritious  grasses.  This  section 
is  well  adapted  to  grazing.  There  is  some  poor  timber,  but  quite  a  dense 
growth  of  oak  and  sage  brush.  There  is  plenty  of  water  in  springs  and 
holes  for  stock.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  7,000  to  8,000 
feet.     Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  7  S.,  R.  104  W. — The  surface  is  generally  rough  and  moun- 
tainous. This  township  contains  but  a  few  small  patches  of  agricultural 
land.  There  is  considerable  cedar  and  pinon  timber,  especially  the  southern 
part.  This  district  contains  some  coal  lands.  There  is  plenty  of  water  in 
the  springs  and  water  lioles  for  stock.     This  is  an  arid  section  requiring  irri- 


114  Gilpin  County 


gation  for  farming.     This  township  is  crossed  by  a  railroad.     Annual  rain- 
fall, 10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  5,000  to  7,000  feet.    Value,  $4  to  $6  per  acre. 

Note:     Townships  8  S.,  Ranges  94  to  104  West  will  be  found  under  Mesa 
county. 


GILPIN  COUNTY 

DENVER  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  16,060  Acres. 

The  first  discovery  of  gold  in  a  vein  or  lead  in  Colorado  was  first  made 
at  Central  City,  in  Gilpin  county.  This  is  a  very  small  county,  being  only 
about  12  square  miles.  It  is  located  high  up  in  the  mountains,  and  the  west- 
ern boundary  is  along  the  Continental  divide.  The  elevation  is  from  8,000  to 
13,000  feet  above  sea  level.  It  is  strictly  a  mining  country  and  for  fifty 
years  has  been  adding  steadily  millions  and  millions  of  dollars  to  the  world's 
wealth  of  gold.  The  first  commercial  radium  was  made  from  the  pitchblend 
ores  of  Gilpin  county.  A  detailed  description  of  the  vacant  lands  in  this 
county  will  be  omitted  as  those  not  mineral  lands  are  ordinary  grazing  lands. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 


GRAND  COUNTY 

DENVER  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  197,440  Acres. 

Grand  county,  or  Middle  park,  as  it  is  more  commonly  known,  is  a  large, 
natural  park  practically  surrounded  by  high  mountain  ranges.  The  moun- 
tains, except  where  they  are  above  timber  line,  are  well  covered  with  a  heavy 
growth  of  pine  and  spruce  timber  and  are  nearly  all  included  in  the  National 
forests. 

This  county  is  very  well  watered  by  creeks  nourished  by  the  snows  on 
the  mountains,  forming  the  headwaters  of  the  Grand  river.  Grand  lake,  one 
of  the  largest  natural  lakes  in  the  State,  and  one  of  the  most  popular  pleas- 
ure resorts  in  the  west,  is  located  in  this  county. 

About  five  years  ago,  the  Denver  and  Salt  Lake  railroad  was 
built  across  the  Continental  divide  from  Denver,  and  crosses  Grand  county 
on  its  way  to  Salt  Lake. 

For  some  reason,  perhaps  because  the  country  further  west  had  been  bet- 
ter advertised  as  the  land  of  opportunity,  few  settlers  have  gone  into  Grand 
county,  even  though  it  is  now  opened  up  by  the  railroad.  The  population  is 
very  nominal  for  the  size  of  the  county. 

It  is  an  excellent  stock  country.  The  mountains  are  well  watered  by 
live  streams,  and  along  the  streams  are  fertile  valleys.  Not  to  exceed  one- 
third  of  the  land  area,  not  included  in  the  forests,  has  been  taken  up.  Those 
looking  for  opportunities  to  go  into  the  stock  business  would  do  well  to  look 
into  Grand  county. 

The  streams  in  this  county  are  well  stocked  with  fish  and  there  is 
plenty  of  wild  game  of  all  kinds,  native  to  Colorado,  to  be  found  in  the  moun- 
tains. 

The  approximate  value  per  year  of  the  agricultural  products  is  as  fol- 
lows: 

Cereals     $  10,000.00 

Hay     250,000.00 

Vegetables  and  other  crops 25,000.00 

The  total  population  of  Grand  county  is  1,862.  Hot  Sulphur  Springs,  the 
county  seat,  has  a  population  of  200. 

The  climate  of  Grand  county  is  quite  even;  that  is  to  say,  there  are  but 
few  intensely  warm  days  and  but  few  intensely  cold  ones.  The  farmer  can 
begin  his  seeding  in  the  middle  of  April  and  can  count  on  the  season  being 
open  until  the  middle  of  November.  This  gives  him  ample  time  after  the 
harvest  season  to  do  his  fall  plowing.  An  occasional  frost  has  no  effect  upon 
the  high  altitude  crops,  and  the  quality  of  the  product  is  made  better  be- 
cause of  the  cool  nights.  Grand  county  lands  will  raise  an  average  of  fifty 
bushels  of  wheat  per  acre,  year  in  and  year  out.  Crops  which  do  exception- 
ally well  and  come  to  the  fullest  maturity  are  barley,  oats,  alfalfa,  spring 
wheat,  timothy,  alsike,  clover  and  stock  beets.  Grains  raised  at  this  altitude 
have  a  much  greater  weight  than  those  raised  in  lower  altitudes. 

Township  1  S.,  R.  75  W. — The  character  of  the  land  in  this  township  is 
above  the  average  in  the  park.     The  bottom  lands  are  exceptionally  good. 


116  Grand  County 


The  grass  is  very  fine,  especially  that  on  the  bottoms  of  Eraser  river  and 
along  St.  Louis  and  Hamilton  creeks.  The  eastern  and  southern  portions  are 
very  mountainous  and  the  rest  is  rolling  and  covered  with  small  parks.  The  east- 
ern part  is  included  in  the  Arapahoe  national  forest  and  is  covered  with  fine 
white  pine  and  spruce  timber.  The  township  is  crossed  by  the  railroad  and 
well  watered  with  good  streams.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall, 
15  to  20  inches.    Elevation,  8,000  feet.     Four  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  4  N.,  R.  75  W. — This  township  is  very  rough  and  mountainous. 
Although  it  is  nearly  all  included  in  the  Arapahoe  national  forest,  there  is 
very  little  timber.  It  is  well  watered  with  numerous  streams.  What  little 
land  is  outside  of  the  forest  is  not  suitable  for  agriculture.  Elevation,  8,000 
to  10,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Ten  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  1  S.,  R.  76  W. — The  southern  portion  of  this  township  is  moun- 
tainous. The  northern  portion  is  rolling  with  meadows  and  prairie  land. 
There  are  a  number  of  streams  with  scattered  timber  on  the  elevated  tables. 
Some  good  grazing  land.  Portions  of  the  northern  part  are  very  rough  and 
broken.  The  railroad  crosses  a  corner  of  the  township.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per 
acre.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Elevation,  8,000  to  10,000  feet. 

Township  1  N.,  R.  76  W. — The  surface  is  rather  rough,  inclining  to  be 
mountainous.  There  is  some  meadow  land.  This  is  a  good  stock  section. 
Value,  $5  to  $20  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  8,500 
feet.     The  railroad  crosses  this  township. 

Township  2  N.,  R.  76  W. — This  township  is  rough  and  broken.  There  is 
a  luxuriant  growth  of  brush  and  buffalo  grass.  There  are  fine  hay  lands  in 
the  Grand  river  bottoms.  The  growth  of  trees  is  small.  The  grazing  is  good. 
Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Elevation,  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20 
inches.     Six  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  76  W. — The  northwest  portion  of  this  township  is  in- 
cluded in  the  Arapahoe  national  forest.  It  contains  good  pine  and  spruce 
timber  of  commercial  value.  Vegetation  grows  readily  here  without  irriga- 
tion. The  rest  of  the  township  is  either  level  sage  brush  land  with  a  sandy 
soil  or  rough  and  rocky  mountain  land.  Six  miles  from  the  railroad.  Value, 
$5  to  $10  per  acre.  Elevation,  8,000  to  10,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20 
inches. 

Township  4  N.,  R.  76  W. — With  the  exception  of  the  valley  of  the  Grand 
river,  all  of  this  township  is  included  in  the  Arapahoe  national  forest,  and 
the  surface  is  very  rough  and  mountainous.  There  are  splendid  fields  along 
the  Grand  river.  No  irrigation  needed.  Good  pine  and  spruce  timber  in  the 
mountainous  sections.  The  elevation  of  8,500  feet  is  quite  high  for  any  crops 
except  hay.  Value,  $5  to  $15  per  acre.  Located  fifteen  miles  from  the  rail- 
road.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  76  W. — Very  mountainous  with  the  exception  of  the 
narrow  valleys  along  the  Grand  river.  Nearly  the  entire  township  is  included 
in  the  Arapahoe  national  forest.  Owing  to  the  extreme  elevation,  this  land 
is  of  little  value,  excepting  for  hay  and  grazing  purposes.  Value,  $5  to  $7  per 
acre.  Twenty  miles  from  the  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Ele- 
vation, 9,000  feet. 

Township  1  S.,  R.  77  W. — The  west  portion  of  this  township  is  all  included 
in  the  Arapahoe  national  forest.  The  township  is  well  watered.  The  ravines 
and  gulches  contain  running  water  all  the  year.  There  is  a  good  stand  of 
bunch  grass.  The  land  is  suitable  for  grazing  purposes.  The  surface  is  gen- 


Grand  County  117 


erally  rough  and  broken.     Six  miles  from  the  raihoad.     Value,  $3  to  $6  per 
acre.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Elevation,  8,500  feet. 

Tawnship  1  N.,  R.  77  W. — The  south  portion  of  this  township  is  quite 
mountainous  and  is  included  in  the  Arapahoe  national  forest.  Outside  of  the 
forest,  a  great  many  sections  contain  good  grazing  land,  and  along  the  bot- 
toms are  some  good  hay  lands ;  other  portions  are  rough  and  covered  with 
sage  brush  and  scrub  trees.  Value,  $5  to  $30  per  acre.  This  township  is 
crossed  by  the  railroad  and  is  two  miles  from  Sulphur  Springs,  the  county 
seat.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Elevation,  8,500  feet. 

Township  2  N.,  R.  77  W. — The  surface  is  generally  rough  and  mountain- 
ous. The  Grand  river  and  railroad  crosses  the  south  portion.  This  is  a  good 
grazing  country.  There  are  some  hay  lands  along  the  river,  and  little  mead- 
ows along  the  mountain  streams.  Value,  $5  to  $15  per  acre.  Elevation, 
8,500  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  77  W. — This  township  is  mountainous  thruout  and  con- 
tains very  little  open  land.  The  north  and  west  portions  of  this  township 
are  included  in  the  Arapahoe  national  forest.  Outside  of  the  forest,  the  hilly 
portions  are  covered  with  pine  and  aspen.  There  are  indications  of  gold  and 
silver  in  this  township.  Six  miles  from  the  railroad.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per 
acre.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Elevation,  9,000  feet. 

Township  1  S.,  R.  78  W. — The  eastern  portion  of  this  township  is  exceed- 
ingly mountainous  and  is  included  in  the  Arapahoe  national  forest.  The  west- 
ern portion  is  crossed  by  the  Williams  Fork  river.  The  surface  is  rough  and 
broken,  outside  of  the  river  valleys.  There  are  some  very  good  grazing  lands  in 
this  township.  Well  watered.  Plenty  of  timber.  Four  miles  from  the  railroad. 
Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  8,000 
feet. 

Township  1  N.,  R.  78  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  mountainous, 
with  some  good  valleys.  It  is  crossed  by  the  Grand  river  and  the  railroad. 
There  is  a  fair  amount  of  timber.  Sulphur  Springs,  the  county  seat  of  Grand 
county,  is  located  in  this  township.  Value  of  open  lands,  $5  to  $8  per  acre. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Elevation,  7,500  feet. 

Township  2  N.,  R.  78  W. — This  township  is  generally  mountainous  and 
broken.  The  northern  portion  is  included  in  the  Arapahoe  national  forest.  The 
southern  portion  is  rough  hills,  covered  with  sage  brush.  It  is  poor  grazing 
lands.  Well  watered.  The  railroad  crosses  a  corner  of  the  township.  Value, 
$8  to  $12  per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Elevation,  8,000  feet. 

Township  1  S.,  R.  79  W. — The  surface  is  very  mountainous  and  broken. 
There  are  natural  meadows  along  the  streams.  Plenty  of  water.  The  southern 
portion  of  this  township  is  included  in  the  Arapahoe  and  Leadville  national 
forests.  Five  miles  from  the  railroad.  Value,  $3.50  to  $7  per  acre.  Elevation, 
8,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 

Township  1  N.,  R.  79  W. — There  is  a  large  amount  of  good  land  along  the 
streams  and  on  the  bluffs  in  this  township.  Considerable  of  this  land  is  ir- 
rigated and  considerable  more  could  easily  be  put  under  water.  The  soil  is 
good.  This  township  is  crossed  by  the  Grand  river  and  the  railroad.  Value, 
$10  to  $15  per  acre.    Elevation,  8,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 

Township  2  N.,  R.  79  W. — Nearly  all  of  this  township  is  mountainous. 
On  the  sloping  land,  the  soil  is  especially  rich,  also  in  the  valleys.  There  is 
abundance  of  water,  springs  and  little  lakes,  also  a  number  of  mineral  springs. 


118  Grand  County 


Mineral  indications.  There  is  some  timber.  The  northeast  portion  is  included 
in  the  Arapahoe  national  forest.  There  are  some  portions  rough  and  broken 
and  only  suitable  for  grazing.  Value,  $5  to  $12  per  acre.  Elevation,  8,000  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Six  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  79  W, — The  land  in  this  township  is  poor  and  suitable 
only  for  grazing.  Nearly  the  entire  townhsip  is  included  in  the  Arapahoe  na- 
tional forest.  It  is  located  eight  miles  from  the  railroad.  Value,  $8  per  acre. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  8,000  feet. 

Township  1  S.,  R.  80  W. — There  is  very  little  timber  in  this  township.  It 
is  composed  principally  of  high  mesa  land,  affording  good  grazing,  and  is 
covered  with  sage  brush.  There  are  good  agricultural  lands  here.  This  town- 
ship is  crossed  by  the  Blue  river  and  is  four  miles  from  the  railroad.  Value, 
$3.50  .to  $10  per  acre.    Elevation,  7,500  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  1  N.,  R.  80  W. — Generally  hilly  and  rolling.  The  soil  is  sandy 
and  covered  with  sage  brush  with  little  natural  grass.  This  township  is  well 
watered.  There  are  some  pine  trees.  The  Grand  river  and  the  railroad  crosses 
this  township.  There  are  fine  bottom  lands  along  the  river.  Value,  $3.50  to 
$15  per  acre.    Elevation,  7,500  feet.     Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  2  N.,  R.  80  W. — The  western  portion  of  this  township  is  rough 
and  mountainous  land.  The  eastern  portion,  along  Troublesome  creek,  is  better, 
and  considerable  of  it  is  under  irrigation.  The  soil  is  sandy.  The  mesas  are  cov- 
ered with  brush,  grass  and  sage  brush.  Located  three  miles  from  the  rail- 
road. Value,  $3.50  to  $7  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 7,500  feet. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  80  W. — This  township  is  principally  covered  with  sage 
brush.  Some  farming  here.  Located  ten  miles  from  the  railroad.  Value,  $4 
to  $8  per  acre.  This  is  a  good  grazing  section.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Elevation,  8,000  feet. 

Township  4  N.,  R.  80  W. — The  northern  portion  is  quite  mountainous  and 
mostly  in  the  Arapahoe  national  forest.  The  southern  portion  includes  very 
good  grazing  lands  along  Troublesome  creek.  There  is  excellent  bunch  grass. 
Not  much  timber  that  has  not  been  burnt.  Value,  $5  to  $7  per  acre.  Fifteen 
miles  from  the  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  8,500 
feet. 

Township  1  S.,  R.  81  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  mostly  moun- 
tainous. Well  watered.  Originally  covered  with  a  good  quality  of  saw  tim- 
ber. This  is  a  good  grazing  district.  The  Grand  river  and  railroad  cross 
the  extreme  northwest  corner  of  this  township.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  6,500  feet. 

Township  1  N.,  R.  81  W. — The  land  in  this  township  is  better  than  the 
average  land  in  Middle  park.  There  is  good  grazing  and  good  timber.  Plenty 
of  water.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 7,500  feet.    Crossed  by  railroad. 

Township  2  N.,  R.  81  W. — The  surface  is  rough  and  mountainous,  with 
some  good  flats  along  the  creeks.  There  is  fine  hay  land  in  this  township. 
The  soil  is  mostly  clay  and  loam.  There  is  a  good  growth  of  blue  and  bunch 
grass.  Located  three  miles  from  the  railroad.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  An- 
nual rainfall,  15  to  18  inches.    Elevation,  9,000  feet. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  81  W. — The  surface  is  mostly  mountainous,  with  high 
mesas.     The  eastern  part  is  gently  rolling  land  and  well  covered  with  good 


Grand  County  119 


grass.  There  is  no  timber  of  value.  A  good  growth  of  bunch  grass  thruout 
the  township.  The  soil  is  mostly  clay  and  of  good  quality.  Ten  miles  from 
the  railroad.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Elevation,  8,500  feet. 

Township  4  N.,  R.  81  W. — This  township  is  very  mountainous  and  located 
high  up  in  the  Continental  divide.  Along  the  creek  bottoms  there  is  some 
good  land.  Not  much  timber.  The  lands  in  this  township  are  of  no  value 
except  for  grazing  purposes.  There  is  plenty  of  water.  Twenty  miles  from 
the  railroad.    Elevation,  9,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  81  W. — This  township  crosses  the  Rabbit  Ear  range.  It 
is  high  and  very  rough  in  some  portions.  Good  grazing  thruout.  Poor  timber. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $7  per  acre.  Twenty-two  miles  from  the  railroad.  Elevation, 
S,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches. 

Township  1  S.,  R.  82  W. — This  township  is  crossed  diagonally  by  the 
Grand  river  and  the  railroad.  The  township  is  generally  mountainous.  The 
mountains  are  covered  with  good  grass.  There  is  a  first-class  quality  of  tim- 
ber, in  places.  Value,  $3.50  to  $7  per  acre.  The  western  half  of  this  township 
is  included  in  the  Routt  national  forest.  The  balance  is  mountainous  and  on 
the  eastern  slope  of  the  Park  range.  There  is  some  pine  and  aspen  timber. 
Plenty  of  water.  Some  good  little  valleys.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  An- 
nual rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  7,500  feet. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  82  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rough  and 
mountainous.  The  soil  poor  and  sandy.  Located  high  up  on  the  Rabbit  Ear 
range.  Very  little  timber.  Good  pasture.  Not  much  running  water.  Some 
sage  brush.  Value,  $3.50  to  $6  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Elevation,  8,000  feet. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  82  W. — This  township  is  located  in  the  Rabbit  Ear 
range.  It  is  well  watered.  The  timber  is  poor.  There  is  some  grazing.  The 
surface  is  all  mountainous.  Fifteen  miles  from  the  railroad.  Value,  $5  per 
acre.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Elevation,  8,500  feet. 


GUNNISON    COUNTY 

MONTROSE  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  1,337,558  Acres. 

Gunnison  county  is  a  very  large  county,  located  just  west  of  the  central 
portion  of  the  State.  The  Great  Continental  divide  forms  its  eastern  bound- 
ary and  this  county  is  the  basin  of  the  headwaters  of  the  Gunnison  river.  In 
the  mountains  there  are  many  mining  camps  where  precious  metals  are  mined. 
This  county  has  some  fine  coal  mines  and  is  one  out  of  two  counties  in  the 
State  producing  anthracite  coal. 

The  larger  part  of  Gunnison  county  is  included  in  the  national  forest. 
The  general  elevation  of  the  county  is  high,  too  high  in  fact,  for  much 
farming. 

There  is  not  much  land  suitable  in  the  county  for  cultivation,  the  entire 
county  being  hilly  and  mountainous.     This  is  a  splendid  stock  raising  section. 

The  approximate  value  per  year  of  the  agricultural  products  is  as  fol- 
lows: 

Wheat     $  25,000.00 

Hay     400,000.00 

Vegetables  and  other  crops 50,000.00 

The  population  of  Gunnison,  the  county  seat,  is  1,200.  The  population 
of  the  entire  county  is  6,000. 

The  Gunnison  river  is  Colorado's  largest  and  most  famous  trout  stream, 
wliere  they  catch  the  "big  ones." 

Township  49  N.,  R,  1  E. — Composed'  of  fine  bottom  lands  along  the  Gun- 
nison river  and  rolling  mesa  lands  covered  with  a  luxuriant  growth  of  grass; 
well  watered  by  the  river  and  tributary  streams.  The  entire  township  is 
good  agricultural  land.  The  northeastern  corner  is  crossed  by  a  railroad. 
Elevation,  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall  under  10  inches.  Value,  $5  to  $12  per 
acre.     Crossed  by  railroad. 

Township  50  N.,  R.  1  E. — There  are  first-class  bottom  lands  along  the 
Gunnison  valley  and  natural  hay  meadows  and  mountain  parks  watered  by 
springs.  Sage  brush  covers  the  rest  of  the  township.  There  is  a  generally 
rolling  section  in  the  valley  of  the  Gunnison.  Value,  $5  to  $12  per  acre. 
Elevation,  8,000  feet.     Annual  rainfall,  10  inches.     Crossed  by  railroad. 

Township  51  N.,  R.  1  E. — A  very  rough,  hilly  country  crossed  by  ridges 
and  canyons  and  high  flat-topped  mountains.  Along  East  river  there  is  a 
little  timber  and  small  hay  valleys.  Elevation,  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall, 
15  to  20  inches.     Value,  $3.50  to  $7  per  acre.     Crossed  by  railroad. 

Township  49  N.,  R.  2  E. — Along  Tomichi  creek  there  are  fine  fertile  val- 
leys with  groves  of  cottonwoods  and  natural  meadow  lands.  The  hills  are  cov- 
ered with  sage  brush,  but  destitute  of  timber.  This  is  a  fair  grazing  coun- 
try with  plenty  of  water.  Value,  $5  to  $20  per  acre.  Elevation,  8,000  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  under  10  inches.     This  township  is  crossed  by  a  railroad. 

Township  50  N.,  R.  2  E. — This  is  a  rolling  foothills  district,  broken  by 
ravines.     The  soil  is  of  medium  quality  and  the  grass  is  fairly  good.     There 


Gunnison  County  121 


is   plenty  of  good   water.     Elevation,  8,000  to   11,000   feet.     Annual  rainfall, 
10  to  15  inches.    Located  three  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  51  N.,  R.  2  E. — This  is  a  hilly  township  with  inferior  soil.  The 
grass  is  very  poor  with  the  exception  of  that  along  the  creeks.  The  timber 
is  dead  and  burnt.  Elevation,  8,000  to  10,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  inches. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.     Located  two  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  49  N.,  R.  3  E. — This  is  a  rolling,  broken  township  located  in 
the  foothills.  Good  pasture  lands  and  hay  valleys  are  to  be  found  along 
Tomichi  and  Quartz  creeks.  The  elevation  is  too  high  for  crops  with  the  ex- 
ception of  hay  and  fodder.  Outside  of  tlie  valleys  the  township  is  moun- 
tainous and  broken.  The  grazing  is  considered  only  fair.  Elevation,  8,000  to 
10,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Crossed 
by  two  railroads. 

Township  50  N.,  R.  3  E. — A  very  mountainous  district  with  considerable 
fine  spruce  timber.  This  township  is  well  watered  and  the  grass  is  good, 
exceptionally  good  along  the  streams.  Elevation  too  high  for  agriculture; 
from  9,500  to  11,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per 
acre.     A  railroad  crosses  this  township. 

Township  49  N.,  R.  4  E. — A  rugged,  mountainous  township  just  a  few 
miles  from  the  crest  of  the  Great  Continental  divide.  The  only  level  land 
is  narrow  valleys  and  these  were  taken  up  many  years  ago.  The  vacant 
lands  in  this  township  are  grazing  lands.  Elevation,  8,500  to  11,000  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Two  miles  from  a 
railroad. 

Township  49  N.,  R.  5  E. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rough,  rocky 
and  mountainous,  the  altitude  being  9,000  feet.  There  are  rich  bottom  lands 
along  Little  Tomichi  creek.  The  rest  of  the  township  is  composed  of  rolling 
hills.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Located 
four  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  49  N.,  R.  1  W. — There  are  splendid  valley  lands  along  the 
Gunnison  river,  capable  of  producing  hardy  vegetables  or  cereals,  but  owing 
to  the  high  altitude,  this  is  about  all  that  can  be  raised.  Outside  of  the 
valley  lands,  the  surface  is  broken  and  suitable  only  for  stock  range.  Value, 
$5  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  under  10  inches.  Elevation,  8,000  feet. 
This  township  is  crossed  by  a  railroad.  Gunnison,  the  county  seat,  is  located 
in  the  northeastern  corner. 

Township  50  N.,  R.  1  W. — A  fine  rich  valley  along  the  Gunnison  river, 
with  high,  rolling  mesas  on  each  side.  There  are  natural  hay  meadows  in  tlie 
valley;  the  mesas  are  good  farming  lands  when  irrigated.  Mineral  veins  and 
coal  deposits  exist  in  various  parts  of  the  township.  This  is  a  well  settled 
section,  crossed  by  a  railroad.  Gunnison,  the  county  seat,  is  located  in  this 
township.  Value  of  vacant  lands,  $4  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10 
inches.     Elevation,  8,000  feet.     Crossed  by  railroad. 

Township  51  N.,  R.  1  W. — The  broad,  level  valley  of  Ohio  creek  is  cul- 
tivated extensively  for  hay.  This  is  a  most  desirable  location  for  dairying 
and  farming.  In  connection  with  the  abundance  of  water  for  irrigation, 
there  is  power  for  domestic  use  and  a  fine  stock  range  on  both  sides.  The 
rest  of  the  township  is  high  and  rough.  Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  inches.     Elevation,  8,000  to  9,000  feet.     Crossed  by  railroad. 

Township  45  N.,  R.  1^  W. — A  fractional  township  cut  by  deep  gulches 
and  canyons  and  crossed  by  several  small  streams  along  which  there  is  good 


122  Gunnison  County 


grazing.  The  timber  is  scattering  except  on  some  of  the  ridges,  where  there 
is  a  good  growth  of  spruce  and  some  aspens.  Elevation,  9,000  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Located  twelve  miles  from  a  railroad.  Value, 
$3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  46  N.,  R.  1^  W. — This  is  a  well  watered  district  with  scat- 
tering timber  on  the  hills  and  good  grass  in  the  valleys.  The  surface  is  quite 
mountainous.  Elevation,  9,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Lo- 
cated twelve  miles  from  a  railroad.     Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  47  N.,  R.  1^^  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  very  rough; 
it  is  traversed  by  rocky  ridges.  There  is  little  or  no  timber.  Some  good 
bottom  lands  along  Willow  creek.  Elevation,  9,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall, 
15  inches.    Located  ten  miles  from  a  railroad.     Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  48  N.,  R.  1^  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  hilly.  A 
poorly  watered  section  with  very  little  timber.  There  is  some  spruce  on  the 
hills  and  a  few  scattering  aspens  throughout.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.  Elevation,  8,000  feet.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Located  three 
miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  46  N.,  R.  2  W. — The  surface  varies  from  wide  valley  bottoms 
to  rolling  uplands  and  mountains.  The  valleys  contain  good  farming  lands. 
The  rest  of  the  township  is  excellent  for  grazing  purposes,  being  well  watered 
by  numerous  creeks  and  springs.  A  scattering  growth  of  pine  and  aspen  is 
general.  Throughout  the  mountainous  sections  there  is  some  heavy  pine 
timber.  Most  of  the  bottom  lands  are  irrigated  and  cultivated.  Elevation, 
8,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Located  six  miles  from  a  rail- 
road.    Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  47  N.,  R.  2  W. — This  township  is  well  watered  by  many  streams 
and  springs  and  contains  very  fertile  valleys  and  rolling  uplands,  producing 
good  grass.  Portions  of  the  mountains  are  covered  with  heavy  timber.  This 
is  a  mining  district  with  many  mineral  claims.  A  considerable  amount  of  the 
bottom  lands  are  irrigated  and  cultivated.  Elevation,  8,500  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Distance  from  railroad,  five  miles. 

Township  48  N.,  R.  2  W. — Numerous  small  streams  furnish  an  abundant 
supply  of  water  for  domestic  and  irrigation  purposes.  The  surface  is  mostly 
mountainous  with  high,  rolling  mesas  covered  with  a  dense  undergrowth  of 
scrubby  cedars,  oak,  sage  brush  and  bunch  grass.  Elevation,  7,800  to  9,000 
feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  inches.  Located  three  miles  from  a  railroad.  Value, 
$3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  49  N.,  R.  2  W. — A  hilly,  mountainous  township  crossed  by  the 
Gunnison  river  and  railroad.  Outside  of  the  narrow  valleys  along  the  river, 
the  soil  is  generally  rocky  and  third  rate.  There  is  a  scattering  vegetation  of 
pines  and  cedars.  Elevation,  7,000  to  9,000  feet.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  inches. 

Township  50  N.,  R.  2  W. — The  narrow  bottom  lands  along  the  streams  in 
the  central  and  southern  portions  are  available  for  agriculture.  The  surface 
generally  is  composed  of  narrow  mesas  much  cut  up  by  gulches  and  draws, 
making  most  of  the  land  suitable  only  for  grazing  purposes.  Several  belts 
of  fine  red  spruce  timber.  Elevation,  7,000  to  10,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall  15 
inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.    Located  four  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  51  N.,  R.  2  W. — With  an  average  elevation  of  8,000  feet,  this 
township  is  too  high  for  agricultural  purposes.     The  southern  portion  is  fair 


Gunnison  County  123 


grazing  land.  There  are  some  good,  but  not  extensive,  belts  of  spruce  timber 
throughout  this  section.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Located  three  miles 
from  a  railroad.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  45  N.,  R.  3  W. — The  two  eastern  tiers  of  sections  are  too  rough 
for  agriculture  or  grazing.  The  balance  of  the  township  is  located  on  mesas 
having  a  good  growth  of  grass.  There  is  plenty  of  water  in  this  district. 
Small  tracts  of  farming  lands  are  to  be  found  in  the  valleys.  Elevation, 
8,500  to  10,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  A  railroad  crosses  this 
township.     Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  46  N.,  R.  3  W. — There  is  sufficient  water  for  agricultural  and 
domestic  purposes  in  this  township.  The  mesas  and  rolling  hills  in  the  north- 
western portion  are  well  adapted  to  grazing.  Elevation  too  high  for  farming, 
being  9,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  This  township  is  crossed 
by  railroad.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  47  N.,  R.  3  W. — The  valley  of  the  Lake  fork  of  the  Gunnison 
river  consists  of  fine  farm  lands;  the  hills  on  either  side  are  covered  with 
brush  and  scattering  spruce.  In  the  extreme  eastern  portion  of  the  township 
is  a  rocky  mesa.  Elevation,  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  This 
township  is  crossed  by  railroad.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  48  N.,  R.  3  W. — The  surface  of  the  eastern  portion  is  high  and 
rocky.  The  central  portion  is  a  good  grazing  district.  There  is  very  little 
timber  and  what  there  is  consists  principally  of  scattering  spruce  and  aspen. 
There  is  quite  a  dense  undergrowth  of  sage  brush  throughout  this  district. 
Lake  fork  of  the  Gunnison  river  and  the  railroad  cross  this  township.  Eleva- 
tion, 8,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  49  N.,  R.  3  W. — A  rolling,  rocky  mesa,  covered  with  a  dense 
growth  of  cedar,  sage  brush  and  scrub  oak.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Elevation,  8,000  feet.  This  township  is  crossed  by  railroad  and  a  narrow 
valley  along  the  Gunnison  river.     Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  45  N.,  R.  4  W. — In  general,  a  very  rough,  mountainous  district. 
Considerable  farming  is  being  carried  on  along  the  valleys  of  the  numerous 
streams.  Water  is  very  plentiful  in  this  section.  Elevation,  8,500  to  12,000 
feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  A  rail- 
road crosses  this  township. 

Township  46  N.,  R.  4  W. — Only  the  southeastern  portion  of  this  township 
is  suitable  for  farming  or  grazing.  The  balance  is  high  and  generally  well 
timbered.  There  is  an  abundance  of  water  in  the  numerous  streams.  Eleva- 
tion, 8,500  to  11,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5 
per  acre.     Railroad  crosses  southeastern  corner. 

Township  47  N.,  R.  4  W. — The  northern  portion,  which  is  a  mesa,  is  cov- 
ered with  good  grass  and  is  capable  of  producing  a  good  hay  crop.  The 
streams  which  cross  this  township  furnish  an  abundant  supply  of  water  for 
irrigation.  There  is  some  timber  in  this  district,  principally  quakingasp 
and  an  occasional  small  belt  of  white  spruce.  Most  of  the  surface  is  covered 
with  brush.  Elevation,  8,500  to  10,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Located  two  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  48  N.,  R.  4  W. — The  surface  is  rough  and  mountainous.  There 
are  some  very  high  mesas  and  deep  gulches,  generally  covered  with  a  dense 
growth  of  sage  and  grass  and  scattering  pine  and  scrub  oak.  There  is  an 
abundant  water  supply  furnished  by  the  numerous  streams.    The  entire  town- 


124  Gunnison  County 


ship  is  a  splendid  grazing  section.  The  streams  abound  with  trout.  Lots  of 
wild  game  is  in  evidence  here.  A  railroad  crosses  this  township.  Elevation, 
7,500  to  9,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per 
acre. 

Township  49  N.,  R.  4  W. — The  surface  of  this  tow^nship  is  mesa  land  cut 
by  numerous  streams.  The  western  third  is  well  adapted  to  grazing  and  the 
raising  of  wild  hay.  The  Gunnison  river  and  railroad  cross  the  southern  por- 
tion. Elevation,  7,500  to  9.000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value, 
$4  to  $6  per  acre. 

Township  47  N.,  R.  5  W. — Mainly  a  rough,  mountainous  section  on  the 
northern  slope  of  the  San  Juan  mountains;  and  is  covered  with  a  dense  un- 
dergrowth of  scrub  oak  and  spruce  on  the  mountain  sides,  along  the  creek 
bottoms  there  is  a  great  deal  of  willow  brush.  Many  creeks  supply  an 
abundance  of  water  for  agricultural  and  domestic  purposes.  In  the  western 
and  northwestern  portion  is  a  very  rough  mesa.  There  is  a  heavy  growth  of 
spruce  and  aspen  timber  on  the  northern  slopes  of  the  mountains.  Elevation, 
8,000  to  10,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per 
acre.     Located  five  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  48  N.,  R.  5  W. — A  very  rough,  mountainous  district  with  some 
high  mesa  lands,  timbered  Avith  spruce  and  quakingasp.  This  township 
is  generally  covered  with  a  lieavy  growth  of  sage  brush,  also  bunch  grass  and 
scrub  oak.  The  water  supply  is  abundant  and  the  grazing  excellent.  Gun- 
nison river  and  the  railroad  crosses  the  northern  edge  of  the  township.  Eleva 
tion,  7,500  to  9,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5 
per  acre. 

Township  49  N.,  R:  5  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  a  high,  rolling 
mesa  just  north  of  the  Gunnison  river  and  is  covered  with  a  dense  growtli  of 
sage  brush,  bunch  grass  and  scrub  oak.  This  district  is  well  watered  by  vari- 
ous small  streams,  and  is  timbered  chiefly  with  spruce  and  aspens.  This  is  a 
good  grazing  district,  but  worthless  for  farming  purposes.  Elevation,  7,500 
to  9,500  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  83  W. — Bold,  rugged  mountains  cover  practically  this 
entire  township  with  the  exception  of  narrow  valleys  along  Taylor  river. 
The  vegetation  is  mostly  scrub  pine  with  some  good  timber.  There  are  good 
grazing  and  hay  lands  along  the  river  valley.  Elevation,  8,500  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Located  six  miles  from 
a  railroad. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  84  W. — A  very  rugged,  mountainou  stownship  with  a 
narrow  valley  along  Taylor  river.  The  western  portion  is  covered  with  sage 
brush  and  has  a  fair  growth  of  grass.  Throughout  this  tiwnship  the  grazing 
is  good.  Elevation,  8,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $3.50 
to  $5  per  acre.  Taylor  river  is  a  clear  trout  stream.  This  is  a  good  stock 
country,  but  too  high  for  farming. 

Township  14  S.,  R.  85  W. — There  are  fine  rolling  lands  along  the  valley 
of  the  East  river  which  are  very  fertile.  As  the  streams  flow  through  deep 
cuts  there  is  very  little  bottom  land.  The  sides  of  the  valley  are  covered 
with  a  fine  growth  of  grass,  which  is  prized  highly  by  stockmen.  There  is 
not  much  good  timber  in  this  township.  Crossed  by  railroad.  Elevation,  8,500 
feet.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  85  W. — The  valley  of  the  East  river  extends  through 
the  eastern  portion,  consisting  of  a  level  plain  covered  with  sage  brush.     The 


Gunnison  Cou^TY  1-25 


river  bottom  itself  is  a  narrow  valley  covered  with  a  few  scattering  willow 
groves.  Alkali  creek  has  a  large  basin  at  its  head.  Near  its  mouth  the  valley 
widens  and  becomes  a  sage  plain.  There  is  a  limited  amount  of  timber  in  the 
township.  Elevation,  8,000  to  9,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
This  section  is  crossed  by  railroad.     Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  13  S.,  R.  86  W. — This  township  is  largely  mountainous  and  is 
very  sparcely  timbered.  Elevation,  9,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20 
inches.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  A  railroad  crosses  this  section.  This  is 
a  coal  mining  section,  but  poor  for  grazing  and  is  absolutely  worthless  for 
farming  purposes. 

Township  14  S.,  R.  86  W. — There  is  some  agricultural  land  in  this  town 
ship  which  is  quite  fertile  and  easy  to  work;  also  a  small  park  in  sections 
28  and  29  susceptible  to  farming.  There  are  extensive  bituminous  coal  beds 
in  this  section.  The  northern  slope  of  the  divide  is  covered  with  a  heavy 
growth  of  white  pine  and  spruce  timber;  most  of  the  timber  on  the  southern 
slope  has  been  ruined  by  fire.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation, 
9,000  feet  and  vip.  This  township  is  crossed  by  a  railroad.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5 
per  acre. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  86  W. — This  township  has  a  large  body  of  fine  grass 
land  bordering  Ohio  creek  and  its  tributaries.  Good  grazing  is  to  be  found 
on  the  surrounding  hills,  but  very  little  timber.  This  township  is  crossed  by 
railroad.  Elevation,  8,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value, 
$3.50  to  $8  per  acre.     This  is  a  good  stock  country,  but  too  high  for  farming. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  87  W. — The  eastern  portion  of  this  township  is  cov- 
ered with  a  heavy  growth  of  bunch  grass  and  sage  brush.  There  are  numerous 
small  streams  crossing  this  portion  furnishing  an  abundance  of  water  for  irri- 
gation purposes.  The  central  and  western  portions  are  rough  and  broken 
and  included  in  the  Gunnison  national  forest.  Elevation,  9,000  to  12,000  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.     Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  11  S.,  R.  89  W. — With  the  exception  of  a  narrow  valley  along 
Muddy  creek  and  its  tributaries,  this  is  a  rough,  mountainous  township. 
There  is  some  timber,  but  the  surface  in  general  is  covered  with  a  heavy 
growth  of  dense  underbrush.  Located  ten  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation, 
7,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  about  25  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  12  S.,  R.  89  W. — A  mountainous  township  at  the  head  waters 
of  the  Gunnison  river.  This  is  a  rugged,  precipitious  country  covered  with  a 
dense  undergrowth  and  timber.  There  are  narrow  valleys  along  the  river 
and  creek  bottoms.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  7,000  feet. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  13  S.,  R.  90  W. — Along  the  valley  of  the  Gunnison  river  there 
are  narrow  strips  of  land  covered  with  a  rich  loamy  soil  adapted  to  such 
agricultural  products  as  are  suited  to  a  high  altitude.  On  the  higher  por- 
tions of  the  hills  and  mountains  the  soil  is  very  shallow.  The  entire  town- 
ship is  covered  with  a  dense  underbrush.  There  is  also  a  scattering  growth 
of  aspen,  cedar  and  pinon  timber.  This  is  in  general  a  good  grazing  section. 
In  this  township  there  are  only  a  few  springs  having  a  permanent  flow. 
Elevation,  7,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5 
per  acre.     Thig  township  is  crossed  by  railroad. 


HINSDALE  COUNTY 

MONTROSE  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  273,285  Acres. 

Hinsdale  county  is  located  high  up  in  the  San  Juan  mountains,  in  the 
southwestern  portion  of  the  State.  It  is  well  watered,  well  timbered  and  a 
very  picturesque  section  very  much  set  on  edge. 

Agriculture  is  confined  to  the  small  valleys  along  the  streams.  Its 
principal  industry  is  gold  mining.  However,  there  is  considerable  stock 
raising  also  and  much  good  grazing  land  throughout  the  mountains. 

The  approximate  value  per  year  of  the  agricultural  products,  is  as  fol- 
lows: 

Hay $25,000.00 

Vegetables     5,000.00 

The  population  of  Lake  City,  the  county  seat,  is  405.  The  population  of 
the  county  is  750. 

Nearly  the  entire  county  is  included  in  the  national  forests. 

Township  44  N.,  R.  2  W. — In  the  southern  and  western  portions  of  this 
township  is  a  mountainous  and  well  timbered  section.  Several  creeks  carry 
an  abundance  of  water.  The  northeastern  portion,  at  the  head  of  Cebolla 
creek,  is  a  good  grazing  district.  Elevation,  9,000  to  11,000  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Located  nine  miles 
from  a  railroad. 

Township  45  N.,  R.  2  W. — See   Gunnison  county. 

Township  45  N.,  R.   3   W. — See  Gunnison  county. 

Township  42  N.,  R.  4  W. — A  very  mountainous  township.  In  the  north- 
eastern portion  along  the  Lake  fork  of  the  Gunnison  river  and  its  tributaries 
there  is  an  excellent  grazing  district.  Otlier  portions  in  the  national  forest. 
Elevation,  9,000  to  13,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  25  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to 
$5  per  acre.     Located  eight  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  43  N.,  R.  4  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rough  and 
mountainous,  but  well  adapted  to  stock  raising.  There  is  plenty  of  water  in 
Lake  San  Cristoval  and  in  various  creeks  and  streams.  There  is  a  fine 
growth  of  grass  and  spruce  and  pine  timber.  Elevation,  8,000  to  12,000 
feet.  Annual  rainfall,  25  inches.  Located  two  miles  from  a  railroad.  Value, 
$3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  44  N.,  R.  4  W. — An  extremely  mountainous  district.  There  is 
good  grazing  on  the  hills  east  of  the  river,  and  good  farm  lands  along  the 
river  bottoms.  The  entire  township  is  well  watered  by  streams.  Several 
lakes  and  summer  resorts,  also  mines  and  hydro-electric  power  plants. 
Elevation,  9,000  to  12,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Lake  City, 
the  county  seat,  and  the  railroad  in  this  township.  Value  of  vacant  lands, 
$3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  45  N.,  R.  5  W. — See  Gunnison  county. 

Township  42  N.,  R.  5  W. — A  very  mountainous  section  with  second  and 
third  rate  soil.     There  is  a  fine  growth  of  grass  especially  along  the  larger 


Hinsdale  County  127 


streams.  The  timber  consists  mostly  of  spruce  and  pine.  This  is  a  rocky 
metal  mining  district.  Elevation,  9,500  to  13,000  feet,  which  is  too  high  for 
farming.  Annual  rainfall  is  over  25  inches.  Located  ten  miles  from  a  rail- 
road.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  43  N.,  R.  5  W. — This  is  a  suspended  survey.  The  lands  in 
this  township  will  not  be  open  for  entry  until  resurveyed.  The  surface  is 
mountainous  and  is  covered  with  some  good  spruce  and  pine  timber.  Ex- 
cellent grazing  is  to  be  found  in  some  portions.  A  creek  crosses  the  northern 
part  of  the  township.     Five  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  44  N.,  R.  5  W. — Suspended  survey  lands  not  open  for  entry. 
This  is  a  very  rough,  mountainous  district;  the  soil  is  third  rate.  The  tim- 
ber is  mostly  pine;  there  is,  however,  some  spruce  and  aspen. 

Township  44  N.,  R.  6  W. — This  township  is  located  high  up  in  the  San 
Juan  mountains.  The  soil  is  of  poor  quality  and  the  elevation  too  high  for 
farming  purposes.  However,  it  affords  excellent  grazing.  The  northern  por- 
tion is  heavily  timbered  with  spruce,  pine  and  aspen.  This  is  a  mining  dis- 
trict. Elevation,  10,000  to  14,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall  over  25  inches.  This 
is  f\  fair  stock  raising  country.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Ten  miles  from  a 
railroad. 


HUERFANO   COUNTY 

PUEBLO  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  285,928  Acres. 
DEL  NORTE  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  11,080  Acres. 

Huerfano  county,  pronounced  Wa-fer-no,  is  located  in  the  southern-cen- 
tral part  of  the  State.  At  the  present  time  it  is  best  known  as  a  coal  mining 
district,  producing  a  very  large  tonnage  of  bituminous  coal,  which  is  shipped 
to  tlie  states  in  the  Mississippi  valley. 

This  is,  naturally,  a  very  good  agricultural  district,  altho  little  attention 
has  been  paid  to  this  line.  The  valleys  along  the  streams  are  fertile.  It  also 
contains  a  large  area  of  plateau  and  prairie  lands  that  could  be  farmed 
without  irrigation  on  account  of  an  especially  liberal  rainfall.  The  rainfall  of 
this  county,  as  given  in  the  following  descriptions,  ranges  from  15  to  25 
inches  per  year,  being  amply  sufficient  to  farm  without  irrigation  in  any 
country.    This  is  a  good  county  to  investigate. 

Huerfano  county  is  a  large  basin  nearly  surrounded  by  mountain  ranges. 
The  elevation  of  the  valley,  or  central  portion,  ranges  from  6,000  to  7,000 
feet,  while  the  surrounding  mountains  rise  far  up  to  timber  line. 

The  county  seat  and  principal  town  is  Walsenburg,  with  a  population  of 
2,500  people.  The  population  of  the  county  is  15,000.  This  county  has  good 
railroad  facilities. 

The  approximate  value  per  year  of  the  agricultural  products  is  as  follows: 

Vegetables  and  other  crops $  31,000.00 

Grains    50,000.00 

Hay 250,000.00 

PUEBLO  LAND  DISTRICT. 

Township  26  S.,  R.  62  W. — See  Las  Animas  county. 

Township  25  S.,  R.  63  W.— See  Pueblo  county. 

Township  26  S.,  R.  63  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  prairie  land. 
Very  little  timber.  Adobe  soil,  producing  good  gramma  grass.  No  surface  water, 
except  in  springs.  Value,  $3.50  to  $20  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to 
20  inches.    Elevation,  6,000  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  ten  miles. 

Township  27  S.,  R.  63  W. — See  Las  Animas  county. 

Township  25  S.,  R.  64  W. — The  Cuchara  river  runs  across  this  township, 
principally  in  a  deep  canyon.  In  the  southeastern  part  of  the  township, 
where  the  vacant  lands  lie,  the  surface  is  rolling.  Very  good  grazing  land, 
covered  with  gramma  grass.  Good  soil.  No  surface  water.  Value,  $5  per 
acre.  The  lands  along  the  river  are  on  the  side  of  the  canyon  and  of  little 
value.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Distance  from 
railroad,  two  miles. 

Township  26  S.,  R.  64  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  principally 
rolling  and  broken,  especially  where  the  Cuchara  river  runs  thru  it.  There 
is  some  timber.  The  soil  is  sandy  and  not  very  productive.  Value,  $5  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Distance  from 
railroad,  three  miles. 


Huerfano  County  129 


Township  27  S.,  R.  64  W.— The  surface  of  this  township  is  principally 
rolling  prairie  land  along  the  divide.  It  is  a  good  stock  country  with  lots  of 
water  in  the  ravines.  Very  little  timber.  Some  of  the  land  is  suitable  for 
cultivation.  There  is  no  irrigation  or  cultivation  in  this  township  at  the 
present  time.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  20  inches. 
Elevation,  6,000  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  three  miles. 

Township  28  S.,  R.  64  W.— See  Las  Animas  county. 

Township  25  S.,  R.  65  W. — The  vacant  lands  in  this  township  are  in  the 
southwest  portion  on  top  of  Turkey  ridge,  and  covered  with  sage  brush  and 
greasewood.  There  is  no  surface  water.  This  township  is  crossed  by  roilroad. 
Value,  $3.50  per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.    Elevation,  5,500  feet. 

Township  26  S.,  R.  65  W. — This  township  is  principally  dry  prairie  land 
sufficiently  level  to  be  irrigated.  It  is  in  the  dry  farming  district  and  a  por- 
tion of  it  being  under  the  Huerfano  valley  irrigation  system.  Value,  $6.50  to 
$10  per  acre.  Good  grazing.  Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.  Elevation, 
6,000  feet.     Crossed  by  railroad. 

Township  27  S.,  R.  65  W. — This  township  is  crossed  by  the  Cuchara  river 
and  also  by  the  railroad.  The  surface  is  principally  rolling,  partly  level  and 
partly  broken.  There  is  some  timber  and  very  fine  pasturage.  The  soil  is 
generally  good.  Much  of  this  land  is  suitable  for  cultivation.  Value,  $3.50 
to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.  Elevation,  6,000  feet. 
Crossed  by  railroad. 

Township  28  S.,  R.  65  W. — This  township  is  three  miles  east  of  Walsen- 
burg,  the  county  seat.  It  is  crossed  midway  north  and  south  by  railroad. 
The  surface  is  principally  open  prairie  land.  The  soil  is  sandy  and  affords 
good  grazing.  There  is  very  little  surface  water;  part  of  the  year,  none.  The 
soil  varies  from  first  to  third  rate.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  20 
to  25  inches.     Elevation,  6,000  feet. 

Township  29  S.,  R.  65  W. — This  is  a  good  grazing  district.  Some  timber. 
Fairly  level  prairie  land.  This  township  is  crossed  by  three  railroads  and  is  in 
the  coal  mining  district.  Value  of  surface  right,  $6  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.     Elevation,  6,000  feet. 

Township  25  S.,  R.  66  W. — The  surface  is  open  prairie  lands,  somewhat 
broken.  Good  grazing  land.  The  gulches  contain  water  a  part  of  the  time. 
It  is  covered  in  some  parts  with  cedar  trees.  Some  farming  lands  along  the 
creeks.  A  portion  of  this  township  is  under  an  irrigation  system.  Value,  $6 
to  $10  per  acre.  It  is  crossed  by  two  railroads.  Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25 
inches.    Elevation,  6,000  feet. 

Township  26  S.,  R.  66  W. — Some  portions  of  this  township  are  level,  some 
rolling  and  some  rough  and  hilly.  Good  grazing.  There  are  a  number  of  small 
lakes.  Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre.  Crossed  by  two  railroads  and  two  irriga- 
tion canals.    Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.    Elevation,  6,000  feet. 

Township  27  S.,  R.  66  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  mostly  rolling 
and  broken  land.  There  are  some  good  farming  lands  and  excellent  pasturage. 
Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  The  southwest  corner  of  the  township  contains 
coal  fields.  This  township  is  crossed  by  railroad  and  lies  three  miles  north 
of  Walsenburg,  the  county  seat.  Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.  Elevation, 
6,000  feet. 

Township  28  S.,  R.  66  W.— Walsenburg,  the  county  seat,  is  located  in  this 
township,  which  is  crosed  by  numerous  railroads.    A  coal  raining  district.  The 


130  Huerfano  County 


vacant  lands  in  the  township  lie  on  the  rough  hills  at  the  eastern  side.  Value, 
$3.50  per  acre.  Not  recommended  excepting  for  grazing  purposes.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 20  to  25  inches.    Elevation,  6,000  feet. 

Township  29  S.,  R.  66  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  broken.  The 
soil  varies  from  first  rate  to  third  rate.  Some  timber.  Good  grazing.  There 
are  coal  mines  in  this  township,  which  is  crossed  by  railroad.  Value  of  sur- 
face right,  $5  to  $7  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.  Elevation, 
6,500  feet. 

Township  30  S.,  R.  66  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  generally  rough 
and  broken.  Considerable  grazing  land.  Plenty  of  water  in  the  streams, 
whicli  is  used  to  irrigate  small  patches  of  ground.  Some  timber.  Fine  grass. 
Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.  Elevation,  6,500 
feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  six  miles. 

Township  25  S.,  R.  67  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling  and 
broken  in  some  places.  Very  rough  and  rocky,  cut  by  deep  gulches  and  ar- 
loyos.  Good  winter  grazing  land,  as  gramma  grass  is  very  fine  and  gulches 
make  natural  shelter.  Very  little  surface  water.  Some  portions  fairly  level. 
Value,  $5  per  acre.  Some  timber.  Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 6,000  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  five  miles. 

Township  26  S.,  R.  67  W.— This  township  is  principally  rocky  and  broken. 
There  is  some  excellent  land  along  the  Huerfano  river.  Some  portions  of  the 
land  are  fairly  level  prairie  land.  No  surface  water  excepting  in  the  river. 
Good  grazing.  Soil  a  light  clay.  Almost  level  land  lying  in  the  Adobe  flats. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.  Elevation,  6,000 
feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  five  miles. 

Township  27  S.,  R.  67  W. — This  township  is  reached  by  a  branch  rail- 
road. Coal  mining  is  carried  on  in  this  district.  There  is  good  water  in  many 
localities.  Fine  •; '•asses.  The  only  vacant  lands  in  this  township  are  second 
and  third  rate.  Va'ue  of  surface  rights,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall, 
20  to  25  inches.    Elevation,  6,000  feet. 

Township  28  S.,  R.  67  W. — This  township  has  some  prairie  and  bottom 
lands  along  the  Cucharas  river.  The  rest  is  rough  and  rocky  mesa  land, 
lying  in  the  foothills.  Some  scrub  timber.  Excellent  grass.  The  township  is 
crossed  by  a  railroad.  Value  vacant  lands,  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  20 
to  25  inches.    Elevation,  6,000  feet. 

Township  29  S.,  R.  67  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  principally 
broken  and  rolling.  Some  portions  are  level.  The  soil  varies  from  first  to 
third  rate.  There  is  some  timber.  The  grass  is  excellent.  Value,  $5  to  $6  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Railroad  crosses 
the  extreme  northwest  corner  of  the  township. 

Township  30  S.,  R.  67  W. — The  southern  portion  of  this  township  is  ex- 
tremely mountainous.  The  rest  is  quite  broken,  with  some  small  patches  of 
arable  land.  Not  much  water.  Poor,  scrubby  timber.  Value,  $5  to  $6  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.  Elevation,  7,000  feet.  Distance  from 
railroad,  five  miles. 

Township  25  S.,  R.  68  W. — Most  of  this  township  is  included  in  the  San 
Isabel  national  forest.  It  is  located  in  what  is  known  as  the  "Green  Horn" 
mountains.  There  is  very  little  tillable  land,  but  good  grazing  lands.  Value, 
$3.50  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  25  inches.  Elevation,  7,000  feet.  Distance 
from  railroad,  ten  miles. 


Huerfano  County  181 


Township  26  S.,  R.  68  W. — This  township  is  a  high  plateau  or  elevated 
plain.  It  is  mostly  included  in  the  San  Isabel  national  forest.  There  is  a 
little  farming  done  on  the  bottom  lands;  but  the  country,  owing  to  the  ex- 
tremely high  elevation,  is  better  suited  to  grazing.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre. 
Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Distance  from  rail- 
road, ten  miles. 

Township  27  S.,  R.  68  W. — Most  of  this  township  is  a  rolling  upland. 
There  is  some  rough  land  with  some  pinon  timber  and  oak  brush.  Only 
suited  for  grazing  purposes.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  20 
to  25  inches.    Elevation,  6,500  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  six  miles. 

Township  28  S.,  R.  68  W. — Rough  and  broken  land  in  the  Pinon  hills, 
covered  with  scattering  pinon  trees.  Some  prairie  land.  No  surface  water. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Excellent  grazing  district.  Annual  rainfall,  20 
to  25  inches.    Elevation,  6,500  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  one  mile. 

Township  29  S.,  R.  68  W. — This  township  is  in  an  open  prairie  country. 
There  is  some  good  agricultural  land  in  this  township.  The  uplands  furnish 
excellent  pasturage.  The  soil  is  a  clay  loam.  Value,  $8  per  acre.  The  town 
of  La  Veta  is  located  in  this  township,  which  is  crossed  by  railroad.  Annual 
rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.    Elevation,  6,500  feet. 

Township  30  S.,  R.  68  W. — The  soil  in  this  township  is  above  the  average 
for  this  section.  Fine  grass  and  some  natural  meadows.  Considerable  timber. 
Well  watered  by  mountain  streams.  Abundance  of  trout.  Value,  $5  to  $8 
per  acre.  The  southern  portion  of  this  township  is  located  in  the  San  Isabel 
national  forest.  Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.  Elevation,  7,500  feet.  Dis- 
tance from  railroad,  three  miles. 

Township  25  S.  R.  69  W. — The  northern  and  eastern  portions  of  this  town- 
ship is  included  in  the  San  Isabel  national  forest.  Well  watered  by  live  mountain 
streams.  Some  good  farming  lands  along  the  creeks.  Excellent  grazing  land 
everywhere.  Some  good  timber.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 25  inches.    Elevation,  7,500  feet.    Distance  from  railroad  twenty  miles. 

Township  26  S.,  R.  69  W. — Mostly  high  and  rolling  lands.  Good  valleys 
along  the  streams.  Value,  $5  to  $7  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches. 
Elevation,  6,500  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  fifteen  miles. 

Township  27  S.,  R.  69  W. — This  township  is  located  in  the  foothills  of 
the  Sangre  de  Cristo  range.  Most  of  the  land  is  of  inferior  quality,  being 
high  and  rugged.  There  is  considerable  growth  of  scrub  pine  and  oak  brush. 
Poor  grazing.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 7,000  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  ten  miles. 

Township  28  S.,  R.  69  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rough  grazing 
land.  There  is  very  little  surface  water.  This  township  is  located  in  the 
foothills  of  the  Sangre  de  Cristo  range.  Fair  grass.  Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.  Elevation,  7,500  feet.  Distance  from 
railroad,  five  miles. 

Township  29  S.,  R.  69  W. — The  vacant  lands  in  this  township  are  in  the 
western  portion,  well  up  towards  the  crest  of  the  Sangre  de  Cristo  range. 
They  are  in  a  rough  and  mountainous  country,  covered  with  scrub  oak.  Very 
little  agricultural  land  left  in  this  township.  Good  natural  trout  streams 
here,  well  stocked.  Fine  grass.  There  are  also  some  coal  fields  in  this  sec- 
tion. Value  of  vacant  lands,  $3.50  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches. 
Elevation,  6,500  feet.    Crossed  by  railroad. 


132  Huerfano  County 


Township  30  S.,  R.  69  W.— The  surface  of  this  township  is  generally- 
rough  and  mountainous.  The  central  and  western  portion  is  included  in  the 
San  Isabel  national  forest.  This  township  is  well  watered  and  there  is  a 
scattering  growth  of  pine  trees.  No  farm  lands.  There  is  probably  coal  un- 
der much  of  the  land.  Value  of  surface  rights,  $3  to  $6  per  acre.  Good  grass. 
Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.  Elevation,  8,000  feet.  Distance  from  rail- 
road, three  miles. 

Township  24  S.,  R.  70  W.— See  Custer  county. 

Township  25  S.,  R.  70  W. — Along  Williams  creek  there  is  good  bottom 
land.  The  land  in  the  rest  of  the  township  is  poor.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre. 
Annual  rainfall,  25  inches.  Elevation,  7,500  feet.  Distance  from  railroad, 
twenty-two  miles. 

Township  26  S.,  R.  70  W. — The  valley  lands  in  this  township  are  fair, 
but  all  taken  up.  The  bench  lands  are  principally  rough  lands  suited  for 
grazing  purposes  only.  They  are  covered  with  a  scattered  growth  of  pinon 
trees.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  25  inches.  Elevation, 
7,000  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  fifteen  miles. 

Township  27  S.,  R.  70  W. — Most  of  the  land  in  this  township  is  high,  dry 
and  broken.  There  is  a  little  natural  hay  land.  The  township  lies  too  high 
for  farming.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  20  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 8,000  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  ten  miles. 

Township  25  S.,  R.  71  W. — This  township  is  generally  dry  and  mountain- 
ous. It  lies  on  the  south  slope  of  Promontory  divide.  Some  good  pine  timber 
but  in  small  quantities.  Well  suited  for  grazing  purposes.  Value,  $3.50  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.  Elevation,  8,000  feet.  Distance  from 
railroad,  twenty  miles. 

Township  26  S.,  R.  71  W. — High,  mountainous  land,  badly  broken.  There 
are  some  natural  hay  meadows.  Very  little  surface  water.  Value,  $3.50  to 
$10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  twenty- five  inches.  Elevation,  8,000  feet.  Dis- 
tance from  railroad,  fifteen  miles. 

Township  27  S.,  R.  71  W. — Outside  of  the  valley  along  the  Huerfano  river, 
the  land  in  this  township  is  high  and  rugged.  Fair  grazing  and  some  timber. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.  Elevation,  8,000 
feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  ten  miles. 

Township  25  S.,  R.  72  W. — This  township  is  mostly  mountainous.  There 
is  some  good  pine  and  spruce  timber.  Too  high  to  be  of  much  value.  For 
grazing  purposes,  probably  worth  $2  to  $3  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  25 
inches.    Elevation,  8,500  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  eighteen  miles. 

Township  26  S.,  R.  72  W. — Most  of  this  township  lies  across  the  Sangre 
de  Cristo  range  and  is  included  in  the  San  Isabel  national  forest.  The  vacant 
lands  are  very  rough  and  mountainous,  but  affords  a  good  range  for  cattle. 
Timber  very  poor.  Pelnty  of  surface  water  for  stock.  Value,  $2  to  $3  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  25  inches.  Elevation,  8,500  feet.  Distance  from  rail- 
road, fifteen  miles. 

Township  27  S.,  R.  72  W. — Fair  grazing  land,  located  high  up  in  the 
Sangre  de  Cristo  range.  Considerable  growth  of  aspen  and  scrub  pine  timber. 
Value,  $2  to  $3  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.  Elevation,  8,500 
feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  ten  miles. 


Huerfano  County  138 


DEL  NORTE  LAND  DISTRICT. 

Township  28  S.,  R.  70  W. — A  rough  mountain  township  on  the  crest  of 
the  Sangre  de  Cristo  range.  The  mountains  are  partially  covered  with  scrub- 
brush  pine  and  spruce.  This  is  grazing  land  with  a  possibility  of  very  small 
patches  of  meadow  land  and  little  valleys,  suitable  for  cultivation.  Plenty  of 
stock  water.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Distance  from  railroad,  three  miles. 
Elevation,  9,000  feet.     Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches. 

Township  29  S.,  R.  70  N. — In  the  western  portion  of  this  township  is  a 
strip  of  vacant  land  about  a  mile  and  a  half  wide  by  five  miles  north  and  south. 
The  western  boundary  of  this  strip  is  the  crest  of  the  Culebra  range,  which 
is  high  and  rocky,  with  some  scrub  spruce  and  cedar  timber.  It  is  of  no  value 
except  as  grazing  land.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Distance  from  railroad,  one 
mile.    Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.    Elevation,  9,000  feet. 


JACKSON   COUNTY 

DENVER  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  294,960  Acres. 

This  county  is  more  commonly  spoken  of  as  the  North  Park  district.  It 
is  really  a  level  prairie  walled  in  on  the  east,  west  and  south  by  high  moun- 
tain ranges.  Until  just  the  last  few  years,  this  county  has  been  without 
railroad  communication.  Recently,  a  railroad  was  built  from  Walden,  the 
county  seat,  to  join  the  Union  Pacific  railroad  in  Wyoming. 

This  is  a  splendid  stock  country.  The  park  is  well  watered  by  many 
streams  fed  from  the  eternal  snows  of  the  surrounding  mountains.  There  is 
a  large  amount  of  level  land  suitable  for  irrigation.  Water  can  be  put  on  it  at 
comparatively  small  expense.  The  elevation  of  the  park  is  generally  high, 
ranging  from  8,000  feet  up.  This  makes  a  short  summer  season  and  only 
such  crops  can  be  raised  as  will  mature  at  this  altitude.  Stock  raising  has 
been  found  very  profitable  in  this  section.  There  is  a  large  amount  of  desir- 
able land  awaiting  the  homesteader  here.  Some  precious  metal  has  been 
found  in  the  surrounding  mountains,  but  is  not  being  mined  commercially  at 
the  present  time.  There  are  extensive  coal  fields  underlying  the  greater 
portion  of  the  park. 

Walden,  the  county  seat,  has  a  population  of  200.  The  population  of  the 
entire  county  is  only  1,200  people. 

The  approximate  value,  per  year,  of  the  agricultural  products,  is  as  fol- 
lows: 

Grains  and  cereals $    5,000.00 

Hay    300,000.00 

Vegetables  and  other  crops 7,000.00 

Township  7  N.,  R.  77  W. — The  eastern  half  of  this  township  is  mountainous 
and  covered  with  timber  and  included  in  the  Colorado  national  forest.  The 
western  portion  is  crossed  by  the  Michigan  river.  The  surface  is  partially 
broken  and  partially  good  hay  land.  Located  thirteen  miles  from  the  railroad. 
Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  9,000 
feet. 

Township  8  N.,  R.  77  W. — The  eastern  part  of  this  township  is  in  the 
Medicine  Bow  mountains  and  covered  with  timber.  It  is  included  in  the 
Colorado  national  forest.  Whe  western  portion  is  in  the  foothills.  The  sur- 
face is  hilly.  It  is  well  watered.  Grazing,  good.  There  is  some  good  hay 
land.  A  little  growth  of  timber.  Most  of  the  timber  in  this  township  has 
been  killed  by  fire.  Located  nine  miles  from  the  railroad.  Value,  $5  to  $7 
per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  12  to  18  inches.    Elevation,  8,500  feet. 

Township  9  N.,  R.  77  W. — This  township  is  crossed  by  the  Medicine  Bow 
Range  mountains.  All  but  the  western  part  is  included  in  the  Colorado  na- 
tional forest  and  what  is  not  in  the  forest  is  in  the  foothills..  There  is  good 
grazing  during  the  summer  months  only.  A  little  timber.  Located  nine 
miles  from  the  railroad.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  amount  of  rain- 
fall, 20  to  25  inches.    Elevation,  8,500  feet. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  78  W. — The  southern  part  of  this  township  is  quite 
mountainous  and  is  included  in  the  Arapahoe  national  forest.    In  the  nortliern 


Jackson  County  135 


part  the  soil  is  good  along  the  creek  bottoms.  A  part  of  the  land  is  being 
irrigated  in  this  township.  There  is  some  timber.  A  portion  of  the  land  be- 
tween the  creeks  is  rough  and  rocky.  Elevation,  9,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall, 
10  to  15  inches.    Fifteen  miles  from  the  railroad.    Value,  $3.50  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  6  N.,  R.  78  W. — Most  of  this  township  is  rather  rough  land,  lo- 
cated in  the  foothills.  There  are  good  valleys  along  the  Illinois  creek.  The 
unoccupied  portions  have  scrub  brush  and  small  pine  and  numerous  small 
streams.  Grazing  land,  interspersed  Avith  small  meadows.  Ten  miles  from 
the  railroad.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Elevation,  8,500  feet.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 10  to  15  inches. 

Township  7  N.,  R.  78  W. — This  township  is  well  watered.  There  is  good 
meadow  land  along  Owl  creek.  The  rest  of  the  township  is  rather  high  and 
rolling  and  is  covered  with  scattered  scrub  timber.  Six  miles  from  the  rail- 
road. Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation, 
8,500  feet. 

Township  8  N.,  R.  78  W. — This  township  is  well  watered.  There  is  a 
high,  gravelly  hogback  in  the  eastern  portion  of  the  township.  Located  three 
miles  from  the  railroad.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.    Elevation,  8,000  feet. 

Township  9  N.,  R.  78  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling.  The 
soil  is  sandy,  covered  with  bunch  grass  and  sage  brush.  The  eastern  part  is 
rough  and  mountainous  in  the  foothill  regions  of  Medicine  Bow 
range.  The  eastern  portion  of  the  township  is  only  poor  grazing  land.  Lo- 
cated three  miles  from  the  railroad.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  8,500  feet. 

Township  10  N.,  R.  78  W. — Most  of  this  township  is  mountainous.  The 
north  and  east  portion  crosses  the  Medicine  Bow  range  and  is  included  in  the 
Colorado  national  forest.  The  rest  of  the  township  is  broken,  cut  with  creeks 
and  gulches.  There  is  some  timber.  Poor  grazing  land.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5 
per  acre.  Located  five  miles  from  the  railroad.  Elevation,  8,000  feet.  Rain- 
fall, 15  to  25  inches. 

Township  6  N.,  R.  79  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  generally  level 
in  the  northern  portion;  rolling  and  hilly  in  the  extreme  southern  portion. 
There  is  running  water  in  all  the  streams.  Native  bunch  and  blue  grass  and 
small  natural  meadows.  This  is  an  excellent  stock  country.  Located  six  miles 
from  the  railroad.  Value,  $5  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  20  inches. 
Elevation,  8,500  feet. 

Township  7  N.,  R.  79  W. — The  surface  is  partially  hilly  and  partially 
prairie  land.  There  is  very  fine  land  along  the  Illinois  creek  bottoms.  The 
railroad  runs  within  one  mile  of  the  township.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  8,500  feet. 

Township  8  N.,  R.  79  W. — The  surface  is  mostly  hilly  and  rolling.  The 
soil  is  partially  sandy  and  adobe.  It  is  well  watered.  There  are  some  fine  hay 
lands  along  the  bottoms.  This  township  is  crossed  by  the  railroad.  Value,  $5  to 
$15  per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inclies.    Elevation,  8,000  feet. 

Township  9  N.,  R.  79  W. — This  township  is  generally  rolling.  The  soil  is 
partially  sandy  and  partially  clay.  The  valleys  contain  fine  hay  land.  The 
soil  on  the  bench  land  is  red,  covered  with  sage  brush.  This  township  is 
crossed  by  the  Platte  river  and  by  the  railroad,  and  in  it  is  located  the  town 
of  Walden,  the  county  seat.  Value,  $10  to  $20  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  un- 
der 10  inches.     Elevation,  8,000  feet. 


136  Jackson  County 


Township  10  N.,  R.  79  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  gently  rolling 
and  partially  level.  There  is  some  good  natural  hay  land.  The  surface  is 
covered  with  bunch  grass  and  sage  brush.  The  township  is  crossed  by  the 
railroad.  Value,  $6  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  inches.  Elevation, 
8,000  feet. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  79  W. — The  northern  portion  of  this  township  is 
mountainous  and  timbered  and  is  included  in  the  Colorado  national  forest. 
The  southern  portion  is  more  open  and  rolling.  It  is  good  grazing  land.  The 
soil  is  sandy  and  gravelly.  There  is  some  sage  brush.  It  is  crossed  by  the 
railroad.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.    Elevation,  8,500  feet.    Rainfall,  10  inches. 

Township  12  N.,  R.  79  W. — This  township  is  quite  mountainous.  It  is 
nearly  all  included  in  the  Colorado  national  forest  and  is  covered  principally 
with  dead  pine  and  spruce  timber.  The  soil  is  sandy  and  rocky.  Value,  $3.50 
to  $7  per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  9,000  feet. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  80  W. — This  township  is  principally  included  in  the 
Arapahoe  national  forest.  It  is  well  watered  and  covered  with  a  poor  grade  of 
timber.  There  is  some  especially  good  grazing  land  and  some  little  meadows. 
Value,  $3  to  $6  per  acre.  Located  eight  miles  from  the  railroad.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.     Elevation,  9,000  feet. 

Township  6  N.,  R.  80  W. — This  township  is  mostly  rolling  prairie  land, 
inclining  to  be  mountainous  in  the  southern  portion.  There  is  no  good  timber. 
Mostly  good  grazing  land.  Well  watered.  Two  miles  from  the  railroad. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation, 
8,500  feet. 

Township  7  N.,  R.  80  W. — The  surface  generally  level;  portions  of  it  are 
suitable  for  irrigation.  There  is  good  grazing  land,  with  some  natural  mead- 
ows along  the  creek  bottoms.  It  is  crossed  by  the  railroad.  Value,  $3  to  $10 
per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  8,000  feet. 

Township  8  N.,  R.  80  W. — This  is  principally  prairie  land.  The  soil  is 
of  fair  quality.  Good,  natural  meadows  along  the  creeks.  Fair  grazing.  Tlie 
railroad  crosses  a  corner  of  the  township.  Value,  $6  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  8,000  feet. 

Township  9  N.,  R.  80  W. — Principally  rolling  prairie  land,  covered  with 
bunch  grass.  There  is  some  natural  meadow  land.  A  portion  of  the  township 
is  rough.  Value,  $5  to  $7  per  acre.  Two  miles  from  the  railroad.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  18  inches.     Elevation,  8,000  feet. 

Township  10  N.,  R.  80  W. — Principally  rolHng  prairie  land,  covered  with 
fair  grass  and  sage  brush.  Good  bottom  lands  along  the  river.  The  rest  of 
the  township  is  high.  It  is  crossed  on  the  northeast  corner  by  the  railroad. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Elevation,  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to 
15  inches. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  80  W. — This  is  good  prairie  land.  The  soil  is  fair 
quality.  There  is  good  bunch  grass  and  rather  poor  timber  in  the  northern 
portion.  It  is  crossed  by  the  Platte  river.  The  railroad  crosses  a  corner  of 
the  township.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Elevation,  8,500  to  9,000  feet.  An- 
nual rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  12  N.,  R.  80  W. — The  surface  is  mountainous.  The  soil  is  of 
fair  quality.  Natural  bunch  grass  affords  good  grazing.  Quite  a  growth  of 
pine  and  spruce  timber.  Six  miles  from  the  railroad.  Value,  $3.50  to  $7  per 
acre.    Elevation,  8,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches, 


Jackson  County  137 


Township  5  N.,  R.  81  W, — This  toAViiship  crosses  the  Rabbit  Ear  range 
of  mountains.  It  is  high  and  very  rough  in  some  portions.  Good  grazing 
thruout.  Poor  timber.  Value,  $3.50  to  $7  per  acre.  Two  miles  from  the  rail- 
road.    Elevation,  8,500  to  9,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 

Township  6  N.,  R.  81  W. — This  is  an  excellent  grazing  country.  Well 
watered  from  several  streams.  Good  liay  lands  along  the  creek  bottoms. 
Lots  of  good  timber.  Some  portions  mountainous.  Cut  by  ravines  and 
gulches.  Some  portions  are  suitable  for  irrigation.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre. 
Two  miles  from  the  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  20  inches.  Elevation, 
8,500  to  9,000  feet. 

Township  7  N.,  R.  81  W. — This  township  is  rather  broken  and  rolling. 
Very  little  timber.  Some  mountains.  Good  land  along  the  creek  bottoms. 
Good  grazing  nearly  everywhere.  Some  level  land,  principally  irrigated.  Value, 
$5  to  $7  per  acre.  This  township  is  reached  by  railroad.  Annual  rainfall, 
10  to  18  inches.    Elevation,  8,500  feet. 

Township  8  N.,  R.  81  W. — This  township  is  quite  mountainous.  There 
are  fine  lands  along  the  creek  bottoms.  Grass  below  the  average.  Some  por- 
tions of  the  township  are  level  and  suitable  for  irrigation.  Such  lands  are 
covered  with  sage  brush.  The  soil  is  principally  adobe.  There  are  some  barren 
ridges  in  the  township.  Located  two  miles  from  the  railroad.  Value,  $3.50  to 
$6  per  acre.    Elevation,  8,000  feet.    Rainfall,  10  to  20  inches. 

Township  9  N.,  R.  81  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  principally 
prairie  land;  some  portions  are  rolling  and  some  partly  broken.  Well  watered. 
The  level  sage  brush  land  is  fine  land  when  cleared.  Value,  $5  to  $15  per 
acre.  Located  eight  miles  from  the  railroad.  Elevation,  8,000  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  10  N.,  R.  81  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  generally  roll- 
ing. It  is  well  watered  by  the  tributaries  of  the  North  Platte  river.  There 
is  some  timber.  Good  grass.  Value,  $3.50  to  $7  per  acre.  Located  six  miles 
from  the  railroad.    Elevation,  8,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  18  inches. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  81  W. — This  township  is  covered  with  isolated  moun- 
tains. The  surface  is  well  watered.  There  is  good  grass.  Numerous  small 
streams  run  through  this  township.  It  is  well  timbered.  Value,  $3.50  to  $8 
per  acre.  Located  six  miles  from  the  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20 
inches.     Elevation,  8,500  feet. 

Township  12  N.,  R.  81  W. — The  surface  is  mountainous.  Well  watered  and 
timbered.  In  most  parts,  covered  with  fine  grass  suitable  for  stock  raising. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Evelation, 
9,000  feet.    Ten  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  82  W. — This  township  is  located  in  the  Rabbit  Ear 
range.  It  is  well  watered.  The  timber  is  poor.  There  is  some  grazing.  The 
surface  is  all  mountainous.  Fifteen  miles  from  the  railroad.  Value,  $5  per 
acre.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Elevation,  9,000  feet. 

Township  6  N.,  R.  82  W. — The  surface  is  very  mountainous.    The  western 
half  is  in  the  Routt  national  forest  and  extends  to  the  top  of  the  Continental 
divide.    The  township  is  covered  with  a  poor  growth  of  pine  and  spruce  tim 
ber.     It  is  well  watered.     There  is  some  grazing  land.     Elevation,  9,000  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  25  inches. 

Township  7  N.,  82  W. — The  western  portion  is  very  mountainous  and  is 
included   in  the  Routt  national  forest.     The  eastern  portion  is  rolling  and 


138  Jackson  County 


hilly.  It  is  good  grazing  land.  Well  watered.  Tlieie  is  quite  a  growth  of 
aspen  and  pine  timber.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Located  six  miles  from 
the  railroad.    Elevation,  9,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  18  to  25  inches. 

Township  8  N.,  R.  82  W. — The  surface  is  very  mountainous.  This  town- 
ship is  on  the  eastern  slope  of  the  great  Continental  divide.  The  western 
portion  of  this  township  is  included  in  the  Routt  national  forest.  The  eastern 
portion  is  rough  and  broken  foothills.  Some  of  the  small  patches  of  ground 
could  be  irrigated.  This  land  is  not  very  desirable  on  account  of  the  long 
winters  and  short  summers.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Fifteen  miles  from 
railroad.    Annual  rainfall,  18  to  25  inches.    Elevation,  8,000  to  10,000  feet. 

Township  9  N.,  R.  82  W. — All  of  this  township,  except  a  narrow  strip  on 
the  eastern  boundary  is  included  in  the  Routt  national  forest,  and  is  right  on 
the  eastern  slope  of  the  Continental  divide.  The  land  is  well  watered  and  is 
good  for  grazing  purposes.  There  are  some  pine  and  aspen  timber.  Value, 
$3.50  to  $6  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.  Elevation,  8,000  to 
10,000  feet. 

Township  10  N.,  R.  82  W. — This  township  is  on  the  eastern  slope  of  the 
Continental  divide.  Most  of  this  township  is  included  in  the  Routt  national 
forest  and  decidedly  mountainous.  It  is  extremely  well  watered.  It  contains 
much  fine  pasture  land  and  also  some  fine  hay  and  agricultural  lands.  Located 
twelve  miles  from  railroad.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  12 
to  18  inches.    Elevation,  8,500  feet. 


JEFFERSON   COUNTY 

DENVER  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  35,340  Acres. 

Jefferson  county  is  located  in  central  Colorado,  just  west  of  Denver. 
Tlie  eastern  portion  of  the  county  is  well  irrigated  and  a  fine  farming  dis- 
trict; the  rest  of  the  county  is  rough  and  mountainous.  A  large  part  of  the 
mountainous  district  is  included  in  the  Denver  Mountain  Parks  system. 

Golden,  the  county  seat,  has  a  population  of  2,500,  and  is  the  location 
of  the  Colorado  State  School  of  Mines.  The  total  population  for  the  county 
is   15,000. 

The  approximate  value  per  year  of  agricultural  products  is  as  follows: 

Grains     $400,000.00 

Hay     500,000.00 

Vegetables,    sugar    beets 300,000.00 

Fruits  300,000.00 

Miscellaneous    crops 75,000.00 

The  vacant  lands  in  this  county  are  mountainous  grazing  lands.  Value, 
$3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  As  there  are  no  desirable  homestead  lands  here  a  de- 
tailed description  will  be  omitted.  There  are  a  number  of  small  tracts  vacant 
in  Jefferson  county  within  eleven  to  fifteen  miles  of  the  city  of  Denver. 
These  are  on  top  of  limestone  ridges  and  of  no  value. 


KIOWA  COUNTY 

LAMAR  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Land,  50,707  Acres. 
PUEBLO  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Land,  11,190  Acres. 

Kiowa  county  is  located  on  the  eastern  border  of  Colorado,  adjoining 
the  Kansas  state  line.  This  is  a  very  large  county,  having  an  area  of  twenty- 
five  miles  north  and  south  by  eighty  miles  east  and  west. 

This  section  is  very  sparsely  settled.  The  total  population  of  the  county 
being  only  about  3,000  people.  There  is  very  little  surface  water  in  the 
county  and  almost  no  farming  by  irrigation.  This  has  always  been  a  stock 
raising  country  and  the  approximate  value  per  year  of  agricultural  products 
is  small,  being  as  follows: 

Grains    $50,000.00 

Hay    75,000.00 

All  other  crops 15,000.00 

Kiowa  county  has  good  railroad  facilities  and  lying,  as  it  does,  at  not 
a  very  high  elevation,  it  will  undoubtedly  become  a  prosperous  farming 
district. 

The  county  seat  is  Eads,  with  a  population  of  300. 

LAMAR  LAND  DISTRICT. 

Township  17  S.,  R.  41  W.— See  Township  17  S.,  R.  42  W. 

Township  18  S.,  R.  41  W.— See  Township  18  S.,  R.  42  W. 

Township  19  S.,  R.  41  W.— See  Township  19  S.,  R.  42  W. 

Township  17  S.,  R.  42  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling, 
prairie  land,  crossed  by  some  rocky  bluffs  in  Sections  2,  3  and  24.  The  soil 
varies  from  medium  to  good  quality.  The  grass  is  fairly  good  everywhere 
and  in  some  places  excellent.  There  is  quite  a  little  surface  water  in  the 
township.  Located  four  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  An- 
nual rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $6  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  18  S.,  R.  42  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  prairie  land, 
gently  rolling  in  places  and  comparatively  level  in  others.  The  soil  varies 
from  a  good  sandy  loam  to  a  clay  soil  well  sodded  with  buffalo  grass 
Principally  a  grazing  district.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to 
15  inches.     This  township  is  crossed  by  a  railroad.    Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  19  S.,  R.  42  W.— The  surface  of  this  township  is  fairly  level 
prairie  land.  The  soil  is  a  hard  clay  and  sand.  There  is  no  surface  water. 
This  township  is  a  farming  and  grazing  district.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  An- 
nual rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $6  to  $8  per  acre.  Located  two  miles 
from  railroad. 

Township  20  S.,  R.  ^42  W.— In  this  township  the  surface  is  generally 
rolling,  although  level  m  places.  The  southwestern  corner  is  somewhat 
broken.  There  is  a  good  sod  of  buffalo  grass.  This  is  a  farming  and  graz- 
ing section.  Located  four  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  An- 
nual rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre. 


Kiowa  County  141 


Township  17  S.,  R.  43  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land.  The  soil 
varies  from  a  medium  to  good  quality.  Grass  is  generally  good.  Some  sur- 
face water.  This  is  a  farming  and  stock  section.  Elevation,  4,200  feet.  An- 
nual rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Located  four  miles  from  a  railroad.  Value, 
$5  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  18  S.,  R.  43  W. — This  township  is  prairie  land,  the  surface 
is  generally  rolling.  The  soil  is  of  medium  quality.  There  is  a  fair  stand  of 
buffalo  grass.  Water  can  be  found  by  digging  from  125  to  200  feet.  Crossed 
by  railroad.  Elevation,  4,200  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value, 
$5  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  19  S.,  R.  43  W. — This  township  is  generally  rolling  prairie 
land.  The  soil  is  of  medium  quality  covered  with  good  grass.  This  is  a  dry 
farming  and  stock  raising  section.  Water  can  be  obtained  at  a  depth  of 
seventy-five  feet.  Elevation,  4,100  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.    Located  two  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  20  S.,  R.  43  W. — This  township  is  generally  rolling  prairie  land. 
The  soil  is  of  medium  quality  covered  with  good  grass.  This  is  a  dry  farm- 
ing and  stock  raising  section.  Water  can  be  obtained  at  a  depth  of  seventy- 
five  feet.  Elevation,  4,100  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value, 
$5  to  $8  per  acre.    Located  eight  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  17  S.,  R.  44  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling, 
prairie  land.  The  soil  is  of  medium  quality,  sandy  in  character.  Located 
five  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to 
15  inches.    Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  18  S.,  R.  44  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  fairly  level 
prairie  land  with  a  sandy  soil.  Good  buffalo  grass.  This  is  a  farming  and 
stock  raising  section.  Crossed  by  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  4,000  feet.     Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  19  S.,  R.  44  W. — The  eastern  portion  of  this  township  is  a 
high  level  flat,  the  soil  is  good  and  the  grass  excellent.  The  central  portion 
is  somewhat  broken  and  the  soil  rather  poor  and  the  grass  scant.  The 
western  part  is  lower  and  flat.  This  is  a  farming  and  stock  raising  dis- 
trict. Distance  from  railroad,  one  mile.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  4,000  feet.    Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  20  S.,  R.  44  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  generally 
level.  The  soil  is  good.  There  is  no  surface  water.  This  is  a  farming  and 
grazing  district.  Located  seven  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  4,000  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  18  S.,  R.  45  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  high,  rolling 
prairie  land,  comparatively  level.  In  general,  the  soil  is  black  thickly  sodded 
with  buffalo  grass.  Water  can  be  obtained  by  digging  shallow  wells.  Value, 
$6  to  $12  per  acre.  This  township  is  crossed  by  railroad.  Elevation,  4,000 
feet.     Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  20  S.,  R.  45  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  comparatively 
level  prairie  land  with  a  good  sandy  loam  soil.  This  is  a  grazing  and  farm- 
ing district.  Value,  $6  to  $12  per  acre.  Located  six  miles  from  railroad. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Elevation,  3,800  feet. 

Township  17  S.,  R.  46  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  comparatively 
level  prairie  land.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam.  There  is  a  fair  water  supply. 
Along  Big  Sandy  creek  there  is  good  meadow  land.     This  is  a  farming  and 


142  Kiowa  County 


stock  raising  district.     Located  five  miles  from  a  railroad.     Elevation,  4,000 
feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  18  S.,  R.  46  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling,  prairie 
land  with  a  light  sandy  soil.  Good  grass.  There  is  surface  water  in  Rush 
creek.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  This  township  is  crossed  by  railroad.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  19  S.,  R.  46  W. — The  eastern  portion  of  this  township  com- 
prises the  valley  of  Rush  and  Big  Sandy  creeks,  both  creeks  affording  plenty 
of  water  for  stock  purposes  and  the  entire  township  is  covered  with  a  fine 
quality  of  good  grasses  in  abundance.  Big  Sandy  creek  is  lined  with  cot- 
tonwoods  of  fair  quality.  This  township  is  crossed  by  railroad.  Elevation, 
4,000  feet.     Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.     Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  20  S.,  R.  46  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling  prairie 
land,  naturally  covered  with  a  good  growth  of  buffalo  and  gramma  grass. 
There  is  very  little  surface  water,  but  it  can  be  readily  obtained  from  wells. 
This  is  a  grazing  and  farming  district.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 10  to  15  inches.  Located  six  miles  from  a  railroad.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per 
acre. 

Township  17  S.,  R.  47  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling 
prairie  land,  covered  with  a  light  sandy  soil.  There  is  no  surface  water 
except  in  Rush  creek.  This  is  a  grazing  and  farming  district.  Value,  $5  to 
$8  per  acre.  Located  four  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  An- 
nual rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  18  S.,  R.  47  W. — The  western  portion  of  this  township  is 
rolling  prairie  land.  Tlie  soil  is  sandy  and  covered  with  buffalo  and  bunch 
grass.  The  eastern  portion  is  level,  witli  a  sticky  clay  soil  and  poor  bunch 
and  buffalo  grass.  No  surface  Avater.  This  is  a  grazing  and  farming  sec- 
tion. Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation, 
4,000  feet.     This  township  is  crossed  by  railroad. 

Township  19  S.,  R.  47  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  gently  roll- 
ing prairie  land.  The  soil  is  sandy  loam,  covered  with  a  fair  growth  of 
buffalo  grass.  No  surface  water.  Digging  wells  seems  to  be  uncertain  here. 
This  is  a  farming  and  grazing  district.  Located  two  miles  from  a  railroad. 
Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per 
acre. 

Township  20  S.,  R.  47  W. — The  surface  is  prairie  land.  Located  in  this 
township  are  some  of  the  large  storage  reservoirs  of  the  Fort  Lyons  Canal 
system.  The  soil  is  good  and  hard  and  suitable  for  farming.  Value,  $5  to 
$8  per  acre.  Some  of  the  lands  in  this  township  are  under  irrigation,  and 
readily  bring  from  $40  to  $50  per  acre.  Located  eight  miles  from  a  rail- 
road.    Elevation,  4,000  feet.     Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  17  S.,  R.  48  W. — This  township  is  rather  a  sandy  district, 
consisting  of  rolling  prairies  with  some  sand  hills.  There  is  only  a  fair 
growth  of  natural  grass;  good  hay  lands  along  the  Rush  creek  bottom. 
Principally  a  grazing  district.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Located  three 
miles  from  railroad.     Elevation,  4,000  feet.     Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  19  S.,  R.  48  W. — This  township  is  generally  rolling  prairie 
land.  On  the  low  ridges  the  soil  is  sandy;  in  hollows  it  is  more  clayish. 
The  ground  is  fairly  well  covered  Avith  bunch  and  buffalo  grass.  Value,  $5 
to  $8  per  acre.  Located  two  miles  from  railroad.  Elevation,  4,800  feet.  An- 
nual rainfall,  10  to  15  inches, 


Kiowa  County  143 


Township  20  S.,  R.  48  W.— In  this  township  arc  located  some  of  the 
large  reservoirs  of  the  Fort  Lyons  Canal  system.  The  surface  of  this  town- 
ship is  generally  level,  but  partially  high  rolling  land.  The  soil  is  a  light 
clay  loam.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Located  five  miles  from  the  rairoad. 
Elevation,  4,000  feet.     Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  17  S.,  R.  49  W.— This  township  is  admirable  for  farming 
purposes,  as  the  soil  is  first-rate.  Located  in  the  rolling  sand  hills.  Well 
grassed  with  gramma,  bunch  and  buffalo  grasses.  Good  grazing.  No  stock 
water.  Some  portions  of  the  township  have  a  good  sandy  loam.  Value, 
$5  to  $8  per  acre.  Located  two  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  4,300  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  18  S.,  R.  49  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  level  prairie 
land  covered  with  a  fair  stand  of  buffalo  grass.  This  is  a  farming  and  stock 
raising  section.  No  surface  water.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  incites.  Eleva- 
tion, 4,300  feet.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  This  township  is  eio-sised  by  a 
railroad. 

Township  19  S.,  R.  49  W.— The  surface  of  this  township  is  fairly  level 
prairie  land.  The  soil  is  quite  sandy.  There  is  a  fair  growth  of  buffalo 
and  bunch  grass.  No  surface  water.  Located  three  miles  from  a  railroad. 
Elevation,  4,100  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $5  to  $S 
per  acre. 

Township,  20  S.,  R.  49  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  level  prairie 
land.  The  soil  is  generally  a  sandy  loam  with  some  adobe.  There  is  a  fair 
growth  of  buffalo  and  bunch  grass.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall, 
10  to  15  inches.  Located  ten  miles  from  a  railroad.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per 
acre.     This  is  a  farming  and  grazing  district. 

Township  17  S.,  R.  50  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  level,  prairie 
land.  The  soil  is  good  sandy  loam  with  a  fine  stand  of  natural  grass.  No 
surface  water.  Located  two  miles  from  railroad.  Elevation,  4,500  feet.  An- 
nual rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  18  S.,  R.  50  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  level  prairie 
land,  with  a  fair  growth  of  buffalo  grass.  No  surface  water.  This  is  a  good 
farming  district.  This  township  is  unusual  for  its  salt  spring,  which  is 
of  use  for  medicinal  purposes.  It  is  located  in  Section  27,  where  there  is 
quite  a  large  lake  of  salt  water.  This  township  is  crossed  by  a  railroad. 
Elevation,  4,400  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $5  to  $8 
per  acre. 

Township  19  S.,  R.  50  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  gently  rolling 
and  fairly  level  prairie  land,  well  sodded  with  buffalo  grass.  This  is  a  farm- 
ing and  grazing  section.  No  surface  water.  Elevation,  4,400  feet.  Located 
four  miles  from  railroad.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to 
15  inches. 

Township  20  S.,  R.  50  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  gently  roll- 
ing and  level  prairie  land.  There  is  no  surface  water.  A  grazing  and  farm- 
ing district.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Located  ten  miles  from  railroad. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Elevation,  4,200  feet. 

Township  17  S.,  R.  51  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  level  prairie 
land  with  a  fair  stand  of  buffalo  grass.  No  surface  water,  A  farming  and 
grazing  country.  Located  two  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  4,500  feet 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre. 


144  Kiowa  County 


Township  19  S.,  R.  51  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  level  prairie 
land,  sodded  with  buffalo  and  bunch  grass.  A  farming  and  grazing  section. 
Elevation,  4,500  feet.  Located  one  mile  from  railroad.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per 
acre.     Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  20  S.,  R.  51  W.— The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling  prairie 
land,  inclining  to  be  broken  in  the  southern  portion.  The  soil  is  sandy 
with  a  fair  growth  of  buffalo  and  bunch  grass  throughout.  A  farming  and 
grazing  district.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,300  feet. 
Located  ten  miles  from  a  railroad.     Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  18  S.,  R.  52  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  good  level 
prairie  land,  with  a  loamy  soil,  covered  with  a  fair  growth  of  native  grasses. 
This  township  is  crossed  by  railroad.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Elevation, 
4,500  feet.     Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  20  S.,  R.  52  W. — A  portion  of  this  township  is  rolling  prairie 
land.  The  southern  half  is  lower  and  more  level.  A  farming  and  grazing 
section.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Located  four  miles  from  railroad.  Eleva- 
tion, 4,300  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per 
acre. 

PUEBLO  LAND  DISTRICT. 

Township  18  S.,  R.  53  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  level,  gently 
rolling  prairie  land.  The  greater  portion  of  the  township  lies  in  the  valley 
of  Adobe  creek.  This  township  is  covered  with  a  most  luxuriant  growth  of 
grasses.  There  are  some  good  hay  lands  along  the  creeks  and  also  in  the 
northeastern  portion  of  the  township.  An  abundance  of  stock  water  is  to 
be  found  in  Adobe  creek.  As  the  creek  has  a  fair  underflow,  some  of  the 
land  is  irrigated  by  pumping.  Distance  from  railroad,  three  miles.  Elevation, 
4,400  feet.     Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  19  S.,  R.  53  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  principally 
level  prairie  land;  there  are  parts  that  are  quite  rolling.  Good  hay  lands 
are  found  in  this  township.  There  is  a  scattering  growth  of  cottonwood 
timber  along  Adobe  creek.  This  township  is  crossed  by  railroad.  Eleva- 
tion, 4,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per 
acre. 

Township  20  S.,  R.  53  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  nearly  a 
level  prairie.  The  soil  is  of  medium  quality  with  some  first  class  land.  There 
is  a  fair  growth  of  bunch  and  buffalo  grass.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  This  township  is  crossed  by  a  railroad.  Value,  $5 
to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  18  S.,  R.  54  W.— The  surface  of  this  township  is  fairly  level 
prairie  land  with  a  sandy  loam  soil.  There  is  very  little  surface  water. 
Good  natural  grass  is  in  abundance  throughout  this  township.  Elavation, 
4,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Distance  from  railroad,  six 
miles.     Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township,  20  S.,  R.  54  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  prairie  land, 
partially  level  and  partially  rolling.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam  covered  with 
a  good  growth  of  buffalo  grass.  This  township  may  later  be  irrigated  from 
the  Arkansas  river.  Crossed  by  a  railroad.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Value,  $7  to  $10  per  acre. 


KIT  CARSON  COUNTY 

HUGO  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  16,920  Acres. 

Kit  Carson  is  a  prairie  county,  located  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  State, 
adjoining  the  Kansas  state  line.  This  county  is  thirty-six  miles  in  depth  by 
sixty  miles  in  width.  A  railroad  runs  east  and  west  through  the  central 
part  of  the  county.    No  part  of  the  county  is  over  fifteen  miles  from  railroad. 

This  county  has  been  settled  up  very  rapidly  in  tlie  last  few  years  with 
farmers.  There  are  no  irrigated  lands  in  the  county  and  heretofore  it  was 
used  principally  as  stocli  range.  It  has  been  demonstrated  beyond  a  ques- 
tion that  this  is  a  good  farming  district. 

The  approximate  value  per  year  of  the  agricultural  products  is  as  fol- 
lows : 

Grains     $500,000.00 

Vegetables  and  other  products 225,000.00 

The  total  population  of  Kit  Carson  county  is  only  about  8,000.  The 
population  of  Burlington,  the  county  seat,  is  400. 

There  is  very  little  vacant  land  in  Kit  Carson  county.  During  the  past 
year  a  rush  of  homeseekers  have  taken  all  the  best  lands.  What  little  is 
left  is  mostly  in  small  tracts,  badly  scattered  and  difficult  to  locate  upon. 

There  is  plenty  of  good  land  in  the  county,  however,  that  can  be  pur- 
chased at  a  very  reasonable  price. 

Township  6  S.,  R.  42  W. — The  surface  is  generally  level.  The  southern 
portion  is  rolling  and  broken  country.  The  soil  is  sandy  and  of  medium 
quality.  There  is  a  good  growth  of  native  buffalo  and  bunch  grass.  The 
streams  are  dry  most  of  the  year.  This  is  a  dry  farming  district.  Well 
water  can  be  found  at  a  depth  of  from  175  to  200  feet.  Located  twelve 
miles  from  a  railroad.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Elevation,  3,500  feet.  An- 
nual rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 

Township  7  S.,  R.  42  W. — Treeless,  prairie  land.  The  surface  is  generally 
level;  along  the  gulches  it  is  rather  broken.  The  soil  is  sandy  and  of  second 
rate,  but  covered  with  a  good  growth  of  buffalo  grass  and  well  suited  to 
grazing.  This  is  a  dry  farming  section.  No  surface  water.  Elevation,  3,500 
feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Located  six  miles  from  a  railroad. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  8  S.,  R.  42  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  level,  prairie 
land  cut  by  gulches,  along  which  the  surface  is  rolling  and  broken.  The 
soil  is  sandy  and  of  medium  quality,  being  cove'red  with  buffalo  and  a  little 
bunch  grass.  This  is  a  shallow  water  district.  Suitable  for  grazing  and 
dry  farming.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  This  township  is  crossed  by  railroad. 
Elevation,  3,800  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 

Township  9  S.,  R.  42  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie.  Two  principal 
gulches  cross  this  township.  The  soil  is  sandy  and  of  a  fair  quality  and  well 
adapted  to  grazing.  This  is  a  dry  farming  district.  There  is  considerable 
buffalo  and  bunch  grass  along  the  gulches.  There  is  no  surface  water  in  this 
township,  but  it  can  be  obtained  by  digging  a  few  feet  in  the  bottom  of  the 
gulches.  Elevation,  3,900  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $5 
to  $10  per  acre.     Located  one  mile  from  a  railroad. 


146  Kit  Carson  County 


Township  10  S.,  R.  42  W. — The  surface  is  gently  rolling  along  Dry 
creek.  The  southern  portion  is  rather  broken.  The  soil  is  sandy  and  of  a 
medium  quality,  being  well  adapted  to  grazing  and  dry  farming.  There  is 
a  good,  natural  growth  of  buffalo  grass.  No  running  water.  Elevation, 
4,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Located  seven  miles  from  a  rail- 
road.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  11  S.,  R.  42  W. — The  surface  is  gently  rolling,  but  is  consider- 
ably broken  by  arroyos.  There  are  some  steep  banks  along  Dry  creek.  There 
is  water  in  the  streams  during  the  winter  and  spring  months  only.  A  good 
growth  of  buffalo  grass  is  in  evidence.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Located 
twelve  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to 
20  inches. 

Township  6  S.,  R.  43  W. — The  surface  is  generally  rough  and  broken  by 
rim  rock  along  the  bluffs  of  Sand  creek.  The  soil  is  sandy.  There  is  no 
running  water,  but  it  can  be  found  by  digging  a  few  feet  in  the  gulch  bot- 
toms. This  is  a  dry  farming  district.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  3,600  feet.  Located  twelve  miles  from 
a  railroad. 

Township  7  S.,  R.  43  W. — The  surface  is  gently  rolling  prairie  land. 
Along  Sand  creek  the  land  is  rather  broken  by  rocky  bluffs.  This  is  a  dry 
farming  district.  There  is  no  surface  water  during  the  summer  season.  The 
soil  is  sandy  and  of  fair  quality.  There  is  a  good  growth  of  natural  buffalo 
and  bunch  grass.  Located  six  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  3,800  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  8  S.,  R.  43  W. — The  surface  is  generally  rolling  in  the  eastern 
portion  and  rather  broken  along  the  gulches.  The  soil  is  sandy  and  of  fair 
quality.  This  is  principally  a  grazing  section,  although  it  is  in  the  dry  farm- 
ing district.  There  is  a  good  growth  of  bunch  grass.  No  surface  water. 
Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Elevation,  3,900  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20 
inches.     A  railroad  crosses  the  southern  portion. 

Township  9  S.,  R.  43  W. — The  surface  is  generally  rolling.  Along  the 
gulches  it  is  broken.  The  soil  is  sandy,  of  medium  quality  and  produces  a 
good  growth  of  buffalo  and  gramma  grass.  This  section  is  in  the  dry  farm- 
ing district.  Water  is  obtained  from  wells  and  windmills.  Elevation,  4,000 
feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  A  rail- 
road crosses  the  northern  boundary. 

Township  10  S.,  R.  43  W. — The  surface  is  generally  rolling;  along  the 
gulches  it  is  somewhat  broken.  The  soil  is  sandy  and  of  medium  quality. 
There  is  no  surface  water.  This  is  a  good  grazing  district.  Value,  $5  to  $10 
per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Located 
six  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  11  S.,  R.  43  W. — The  surface  is  principally  high  and  rolling 
land,  broken  by  arroyos.  The  creek  beds  are  dry,  with  the  exception  of  an 
occasional  water  hole.  Vegetation  is  mostly  banch  and  buffalo  grass,  afford- 
ing fair  grazing.  Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre.  Elevation,  4,000  teet.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.     Located  twelve  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  6  S.,  R.  44  W.— A  good  dry  farming  district.  Most  of  the  sur- 
face is  rough  and  broken,  especially  on  each  side  of  Launchman  creek,  where 
the  bluffs  are  rocky  and  steep;  some  portions  are  level  and  gently  rolling. 
There  are  some  cottonwoods  on  the  banks  of  the  creek  and  also  a  good 
growth  of  grass.     This  creek  contains  a  little  water.     Located  twelve  miles 


Kit  Carson  County  147 


from   a   railroad.     Elevation,   3,800   feet.     Annual   rainfall,    15   to   20  inches. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  7  S.,  R.  44  W. — Generally  rolling  prairie  land.  Along  Launch- 
man  creek  the  bluffs  are  high  and  broken  with  rim  rock.  This  is  a  dry 
farming  district.  The  soil  is  sandy,  mixed  with  gravel.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 15  to  20  inches. 

Township  8  S.,  R.  44  W. — The  surface  is  generally  rolling,  except  along 
the  gulches  where  it  is  broken.  The  soil  is  sandy  and  of  a  medium  quality 
This  is  a  dry  farming  district.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation, 
4,000  feet.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Burlington,  the  county  seat,  is  located 
in  the  southeastern  corner  and  a  railroad  runs  along  the  southern  boundary. 

Township  9  S.,  R.  44  W. — The  surface  is  generally  level;  along  the  gulches 
the  surface  is  quite  broken.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam  of  medium  quality. 
This  township  lies  in  a  dry  farming  district.  There  is  no  running  water  in 
the  summer,  but  some  is  to  be  found  in  the  creeks  during  the  spring  and 
winter.  There  is  a  good  growth  of  buffalo  grass.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 
Burlington,  the  county  seat,  is  in  the  northeastern  corner.  A  railroad  runs 
along  the  northern  boundary.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15 
to  20  inches. 

Township  10  S.,  R.  44  W.— The  surface  is  generally  rolling,  along  the 
gulches  it  is  rather  broken.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam  of  medium  quality. 
The  grass  is  principally  buffalo,  with  a  small  scattering  of  bunch  grass.  This 
is  a  good  grazing  district  and  also  a  dry  farming  section.  There  is  no  sur- 
face water.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Lo- 
cated six  miles  from  a  railroad.    Elevation,  4,000  feet. 

Township  11  S.,  R.  44  W. — High,  rolling  prairie  land  covered  with  a  fair 
growth  of  bunch  and  buffalo  grass,  affording  good  grazing.  There  is  no  sur- 
face water.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Located  twelve  miles  from  a  railroad. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.     Elevation,  4,000  feet. 

Township  6  S.,  R.  45  W.— The  surface  is  generally  hilly.  The  soil  is 
sandy,  of  rather  an  indifferent  quality;  with  the  exception  of  the  valley  of 
the  South  fork  of  the  Republican  river,  where  the  surface  is  level  and  the 
soil  is  first  grade.  There  is  plenty  of  running  water  in  this  river.  The  vege- 
tation is  buffalo  and  bunch  grass  in  the  valleys  and  buflFalo  grass  on  the 
hills.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Located 
twelve  miles  from  a  railroad.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  7  S.,  R,  45  W.— The  surface  is  generally  rolling,  broken  prairie 
land;  more  level  in  the  southwestern  portion.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam  of 
medium  quality.  The  vegetation  is  principally  buffalo  grass.  Water  can  be 
found  in  the  gulches  in  the  southeastern  portion  by  digging  a  few  feet. 
There  is  no  surface  water.  This  is  a  dry  farming  district.  Elevation,  4,000 
feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Located 
six  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  8  S.,  R.  45  W. — The  surface  is  prairie  land,  rough  and  broken 
along  the  gulches  and  generally  rolling  in  other  portions.  The  soil  is  a  sandy 
loam  of  medium  quality  and  is  covered  with  buffalo  and  bunch  grass.  There 
is  some  good  level,  dry  farming  land  in  this  township;  other  portions  are  suit- 
able only  for  grazing.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  An- 
nual rainfall;  15  to  20  inches.    A  railroad  runs  along  the  southern  boundary, 


148 Kit  Carson  County 

Township  9  S.,  R.  45  W. — The  surface  is  generally  rolling,  prairie  land; 
along  the  gulches  and  creek  bottoms  it  is  rough  and  broken  with  outcrop- 
ping ledges  of  sandstone.  The  soil  is  sandy,  covered  with  buffalo  grass. 
There  is  no  surface  water.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20 
inches.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  A  railroad  runs  along  the  northern 
boundary. 

Township  10  S.,  R.  45  W. — The  surface  is  generally  rolling,  prairie  land; 
along  the  gulches  it  is  rather  broken.  The  soil  is  sandy  and  of  good  quality. 
This  is  a  fine  grazing  district.  There  is  no  surface  water.  Value,  $5  to  $10 
per  acre.  Elevation,  4,800  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Located 
six  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  11  S.,  R.  45  W. — The  surface  is  rolling,  prairie  land.  The  soil 
is  sandy  and  of  medium  quality,  and  is  covered  with  a  fair  growth  of  bunch 
and  buffalo  grass.  There  are  some  small  water  holes.  Good  grazing  land 
is  to  be  found  in  this  township.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Located  twelve 
miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  4,900  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20 
inches. 

Township  6  S.,  R.  46  W. — This  is  a  rough,  prairie  township.  Tlie  soil  is 
sandy,  but  of  medium  quality,  excepting  in  the  valley  of  the  South  fork  of 
the  Republican  river,  where  the  surface  is  level  and  the  soil  is  first  class. 
Water  is  to  be  found  in  holes  along  the  river,  and  occasionally  there  is  some 
running,  but  generally  the  streams  are  dry  and  sandy.  There  is  running 
water  in  Spring  creek.  This  township  is  located  in  the  dry  farming  dis- 
trict, but  there  is  little  land,  suitable  for  dry  farming  in  this  township. 
Located  twelve  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 15  to  20  inches.    Value,  $4  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  7  S.,  R.  46  W. — Gently  rolling  prairie  land;  in  the  eastern 
portion  the  surface  is  rather  hilly.  Spring  creek  is  located  in  the  western 
portion  and  has  considerable  water  in  holes  and  in  places  contains  some  run- 
ning water.  There  are  some  dry  farming  lands  here.  Some  portions  are 
rough  grazing  lands.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Located  six  miles  from  a  railroad.    Value,  $4  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  8  S.,  R.  46  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  and  broken.  The  creeks 
and  gulches  contain  numerous  water  holes,  also  some  running  water.  The 
soil  is  sandy  and  of  a  fair  quality.  With  irrigation  the  soil  will  produce 
good  crops  of  corn,  oats  and  wheat.  Fair  success  is  obtained  here  with  dry 
farming,  where  the  surface  is  suitable  for  farming.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to 
20  inches.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  A  railroad  runs  along  the  southern 
boundary  of  the  township.     Elevation,  4,000  feet. 

Township  9  S.,  R.  46  W. — The  surface  is  generally  rolling;  along  the 
creeks  and  gulches  it  is  very  rough  and  broken  with  outcroppings  of  sand- 
stone. The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam  of  medium  quality.  This  is  within  the  dry 
farming  district.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  A 
railroad  runs  along  tlie  northern  boundary.    Value,  $5  to  $15  per  acre. 

Township  10  S.,  R.  46  W.— The  surface  is  generally  rolling.  This  town- 
ship is  on  the  divide  between  two  principal  gulches  and  is  rather  level.  The 
soil  is  a  sandy  loam  of  medium  quality.  There  is  a  fine  growth  of  buffalo 
grass  and  some  bunch  grass  is  to  be  found.  This  district  is  well  adapted  to 
grazing.  There  is  no  running  water  in  the  summer  months,  but  water  can 
be  obtained  in  the  gullies  by  digging  a  few  feet.  Located  six  miles  from  a 
railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  4,300  feet.  Value,  $5 
to  $10  per  acre. 


Kit  Carson  County  149 


Township  11  S.,  R.  46  W. — The  surface  is  rolling,  prairie  land,  traversed 
by  arroyos  and  dry  ercek  bottoms.  There  is  a  good  growth  of  bunch  and 
buffalo  grass,  affording  fair  grazing.  Surface  water  in  a  few  scattering  holes 
and  small  pools.  Elevation,  4,500  feet.  Located  twelve  miles  from  a  rail- 
road.   Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  6  S.,  R.  47  W. — The  surface  is  a  hilly  and  broken  prairie.  The 
soil  is  a  sandy  loam  of  only  fair  quality.  Some  water  found  in  the  holes 
along  Well  creek,  but  generally  the  creeks  are  dry.  A  good  growth  of  buf- 
falo grass  is  to  be  found  throughout  and  some  soapweed  and  cactus.  Some 
portions  are  quite  hilly  and  others  afford  excellent  agricultural  land.  Value, 
$5  to  $10  per  acre.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Located  twelve  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  7  S.,  R.  47  W. — In  the  uplands  the  surface  is  generally  rolling; 
along  the  South  fork  of  the  Republican  river  are  bluffs  and  hills;  the  river 
bottoms  are  quite  level  and  have  a  very  sandy  soil.  The  uplands  afford  good 
grazing,  being  covered  with  a  sandy  soil  of  medium  quality.  There  are  some 
good  lands  in  the  southern  part  of  the  township.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre 
Located  six  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  4,600  feet.  Annual  rainfall, 
15  to  20  inches. 

Township  8  S.,  R.  47  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land;  along  the 
gulches  it  is  rough  and  broken.  The  soil  is  generally  sandy  and  of  poor 
quality.  There  is  an  abundance  of  buffalo  and  bunch  grass,  affording  good 
pasturage  for  stock.  Water  is  found  in  the  principal  gulches  by  digging  a 
few  feet,  although  there  is  no  surface  water.  Fairly  good  crops  are  raised 
by  dry  farming  methods.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Elevation,  4,000  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  A  railroad  runs  along  the  southern 
boundary. 

Township  9  S.,  R.  47  W. — The  surface  is  rolling,  prairie  land.  The  soil  is 
a  good  sandy  loam.  Considerable  water  is  found  in  holes  along  the  creeks, 
but  no  running  water  during  the  summer  or  fall.  Some  portions  of  the  town- 
ship are  well  adapted  to  dry  farming;  other  suitable  only  for  grazing.  Value, 
$5  to  $10  per  acre.  A  railroad  runs  along  the  northern  boundary.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.     Elevation,  4,500  feet. 

Township  10  S.,  R.  47  W. — The  surface  is  gently  rolling  and  level.  This 
township  is  well  watered;  the  principal  creeks  and  gulches  contain  water  in 
considerable  quantities.  The  soil  is  of  good  quality  and  capable  of  produc- 
ing fair  crops  of  cereals.  Located  six  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  4,500 
feet.     Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.     Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  11  S.,  R.  47  W. — The  surface  is  high  and  rolling  prairie  land, 
covered  with  a  growth  of  bunch  grass,  affording  fair  grazing  for  cattle;  it 
is  traversed  by  gulches  and  arroyos  having  water  in  holes.  This  township 
is  a  little  below  the  average  for  this  district.  Value,  $4  to  $7  per  acre.  Lo- 
cated twelve  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  4,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall, 
10  to  15  inches. 

Township  6  S.,  R.  48  W. — The  surface  is  generally  level  or  gently  rolling. 
Water  can  be  found  by  digging  four  to  five  feet  in  Well  creek,  although 
there  is  no  surface  water.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam.  There  is  a  good  heavy 
sod  of  buffalo  grass.  This  is  located  in  the  dry  farming  section.  Some  por- 
tions are  fit  only  for  grazing.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Located  twelve 
miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  4,300  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches. 


150 Kit  Carson  County 

Township  7  S.,  R.  84  W. — The  southeastern  portion  of  this  township  is 
very  rough  and  broken.  The  lands  along  the  South  fork  of  the  Republican 
river  are  very  sandy  and  worthless.  In  the  northeastern  portion  there  are 
rolling  sand  hills.  The  balance  of  the  township  is  level,  gently  rolling  land 
with  a  sandy  loam  of  medium  quality.  The  grass  along  the  river  bottoms 
is  principally  buffalo,  bunch  and  blue  stem,  while  the  uplands  are  covered 
with  buffalo  grass.  Wells  are  driven  300  feet  to  water.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per 
acre.  Located  six  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  4,§00  feet.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 15  to  20  inches. 

Township  8  S.,  R.  48  W. — The  surface  is  generally  rolling  prairie  land. 
Along  the  gulches  and  South  fork  of  the  Republican  river  are  rough  and 
broken  areas.  The  soil  in  the  uplands  is  a  clay  of  medium  quality,  while  that 
in  the  bottoms  is  very  sandy  and  of  poor  quality.  There  is  an  abundance  of 
buffalo,  bunch  and  blue  stem  grasses,  affording  excellent  grazing.  No  surface 
water,  but  water  can  be  found  by  digging  a  few  feet  in  the  bottoms  of  the 
different  water  courses.  There  are  some  excellent  dry  farming  lands  in  this 
township.  Other  portions  are  suitable  only  for  grazing.  A  railroad  runs 
along  the  southern  boundary.  Elevation,  4,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to 
20  inches.     Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  9  S.,  R.  48  W. — The  surface  is  gently  rolling  prairie  land. 
Tlie  soil  is  a  sandy  loam  of  medium  quality  and  is  covered  with  a  growth 
of  buffalo  and  bunch  grass  in  considerable  quantities,  affording  excellent 
grazing  for  stock.  Some  surface  water  is  found  in  holes  in  tlie  gulches,  but 
there  is  no  running  water  during  the  summer.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  A 
railroad  runs  along  the  northern  boundary.  Elevation,  4,800  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 

Township  10  S.,  R.  48  W. — The  surface  is  gently  rolling  and  level 
prairie  lands;  but  along  the  gulches  generally  rougli  and  broken.  Large 
Sandy  gulch  contains  considerable  water.  Water  can  be  found  in  all  the 
principal  gulches  and  ravines  by  digging  a  few  feet,  although  there  is  no 
surface  water.  Tliere  is  an  abundance  of  bunch  and  buffalo  grass,  affording 
excellent  pasturage.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam  of  fair  quality.  Elevation, 
4,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Located  six  miles  from  a  rail- 
road.   Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  11  S.,  R.  48  W. — The  surface  in  general  is  gently  rolling; 
along  the  gulches  and  ravines  it  is  rough  and  broken.  The  soil  is  a  sandy 
loam  of  medium  quality,  if  irrigated  it  would  be  very  productive.  There  is 
an  abundance  of  natural  bunch  and  buffalo  grass,  affording  good  pasturage. 
No  surface  water  in  this  township,  but  water  can  be  found  by  digging  a  few 
feet.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Elevation,  4,600  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15 
to  20  inches.     Located  twelve  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  6  S.,  R.  49  W. — The  surface  of  tliis  township  is  rolling  prairie 
land,  well  adapted  to  grazing.  There  is  an  abundance  of  bunch  and  buffalo 
grass.  This  district  contains  no  running  water,  but  there  is  standing  water 
to  be  found  in  places  along  the  gulches.  A  considerable  amount  of  the  town 
ship  is  well  adapted  to  dry  farming.  The  soil  is  of  good  quality.  Located 
twelve  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  4,400  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to 
20  inches.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  7  S.,  R.  49  W. — The  surface  is,  in  general,  a  level  prairie, 
gently  rolling  and  contains  a  good,  sandy  loam  soil.  It  is  naturally  covered 
with  buffalo  and  bunch  grass  and  well  adapted  to  grazing  purposes  and  in  a 
good  dry  farming  district.  There  is  no  surface  water.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per 
acre.  Located  six  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  4,500  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 


Kit  Carson  County ^ 151 

Township  8  S.,  R.  49  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling  prairie 
land,  with  a  sandy  soil  covered  with  buffalo  grass.  There  is  plenty  of  water 
in  the  South  fork  of  the  Republican  river  and  in  the  gulches  for  stock  pur- 
poses. A  small  amount  of  land  could  be  irrigated  at  a  little  expense  by 
raising  water  from  the  river.  The  soil  produces  large  crops  of  small  grains, 
if  irrigated.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  A  railroad  runs  along  the  southern 
boundary.     Elevation,  4,500  feet.     Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 

Township  9  S.,  R.  49  W. — The  surface  is  level  praire  land,  rolling  in  some 
places,  with  a  good  hard  sandy  soil,  covered  with  a  heavy  sod  of  buffalo 
grass.  It  will  produce  excellent  crops  without  irrigation.  This  is  a  very 
desirable  dry  farming  district.  There  is  no  surface  water.  Annual  rainfall, 
15  to  20  inches.  A  railroad  runs  along  the  northern  boundary.  Elevation, 
4,600  feet.     Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  10  S.,  R.  49  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land,  with  a 
sandy  and  clay  soil  of  medium  quality.  This  township  is  located  in  the 
dry  farming  district.  Considerable  surface  water  is  found  in  holes  along  the 
creeks  flowing  through  the  center  of  the  township,  eastward;  however,  there 
is  no  running  water  to  be  found  only  during  the  summer  season.  The  soil 
is  covered  with  a  good  growth  of  buffalo  grass.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 
Located  six  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  4,800  feet.  Annual  rainfall, 
15  to  20  inches. 

Township  11  S.,  R.  49  W. — The  surface  is  rather  rolling  prairie  land,  and 
in  places  is  rough  and  broken.  The  soil  is  partially  sandy  and  partially 
clay.  There  is  a  fair  growth  of  buffalo  and  gramma  grass  during  the  rainy 
and  wet  seasons.  There  is  no  surface  water.  This  is  in  a  dry  farming  dis- 
trict. Located  twelve  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  4,800  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  6  S.,  R.  50  W. — The  surface  is  generally  quite  level  prairie 
land,  excepting  in  the  southern  portion,  where  it  is  quite  rolling  and  broken 
by  streams  which  are  generally  dry  excepting  in  the  wet  seasons.  The  soil 
is  quite  rich  in  some  places,  but  in  general  it  is  quite  sandy  and  of  second 
rate  quality.  There  is  a  good  growth  of  bunch  and  buffalo  grass,  especially 
along  the  river.  This  is  a  dry  farming  district.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 
Located  twelve  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  4,500  feet.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 15  to  20  inches. 

Township  7  S.,  R.  50  W. — The  surface  is  generally  rolling,  in  some  places 
broken.  There  is  a  fine  rich  sandy  loam  soil.  Some  surface  water  holes  are 
found  in  the  gulches,  but  not  many.  In  about  the  center  of  the  township 
a  well  was  dug  160  feet  to  water.  This  is  a  good  dry  farmiag  district.  Eleva- 
ation,  4,600  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Located  six  miles  from 
a  railroad.     Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  8  S.,  R.  50  W. — The  surface  is  gently  rolling  prairie  land  of 
fair  quality,  with  a  sandy  loam  soil.  The  grazing  in  general  is  good.  There 
is  no  surface  water,  but  water  can  be  obtained  at  a  shallow  depth  along  the 
ravines.  This  is  a  good  dry  farming  district.  Elevation,  4,500  feet.  A  rail- 
road runs  along  the  southern  boundary  of  this  township.  Annual  rainfall, 
15  to  20  inches.    Value,  $5  to  $12  per  acre. 

Township  9  S.,  R.  50  W. — The  surface  is  partially  level  prairie  land;  the 
balance  rough  grazing  land.  This  is  in  a  good  dry  farming  district.  The  soil 
is  a  sandy  loam  of  medium  quality.  A  railroad  runs  along  the  southern 
boundary.  Elevation,  4,800  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value, 
$5  to  $10  per  acre. 


152  Kit  Carson  County 


Township  10  S.,  R.  50  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land.  Tlie  soil 
is  of  good  quality.  There  is  sufficient  water  for  stock.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per 
acre.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Located  six 
miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  11  S.,  R.  50  W. — The  surface  is  gently  rolling  prairie  land.  The 
soil  is  a  sandy  loam  of  medium  quality  and  is  covered  with  a  good  growth 
of  buffalo  and  bunch  grass.  The  gulches  and  ravines  are  all  dry.  Elevation, 
5,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Located  twelve  miles  from  a 
railroad.     Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  6  S.,  R.  51  W. — The  surface  is  comparatively  level  prairie 
land.  This  is  a  good  dry  farming  district.  The  soil  is  a  hard  clay  and  sand, 
and  will  raise  splendid  crops.  Well  water  is  obtained  at  a  depth  of  150  feet. 
Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Located  twelve 
miles  from  a  railroad.     Elevation,  4,500  feet. 

Township  7  S.,  R.  51  W. — The  surface  is  gently  rolling  prairie  land, 
somewhat  broken.  The  southeastern  portion  is  a  good  dry  farming  district. 
This  is  a  good  hard  soil  covered  with  buffalo  grass.  There  is  some  running 
water  in  the  gulches  and  some  pools.  Located  six  miles  from  a  railroad. 
Elevation,  4,800  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per 
acre. 

Township  8  S.,  R.  51  W. — The  surface  is  a  rolling  prairie  land,  partially 
level,  with  a  good  hard  productive  soil,  covered  with  a  good  stand  of  buflfalo 
and  gramma  grass.  Some  portions  are  quite  rough  and  broken.  This  is  a 
good  dry  farming  district.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to 
20  inches.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  A  railroad  runs  along  the  southern 
boundary. 

Township  9  S.,  R.  51  W. — The  surface  is  prairie  land  along  the  south 
fork  of  tlie  Republican  river,  which  is  dry  with  the  exception  of  an  occasional 
water  hole.  The  surface  of  this  township  is  generally  rough  and  broken.  A 
railroad  runs  along  the  northern  boundary.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  10  S.,  R.  51  W. — The  surface  is  partially  rolling  prairie  land 
and  partially  level  mesa  land  south  of  the  Republican  river.  The  soil  is  a 
sandy  loam.  This  is  a  good  grazing  district.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Lo- 
cated six  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15 
to  20  inches. 

Township  11  S.,  R.  51  W. — The  surface  is  gently  rolling  prairie  land. 
The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam  of  medium  quality,  with  a  fair  growth  of  bunch 
and  buffalo  grass.  There  is  no  surface  water.  Located  twelve  miles  from  a 
railroad.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $4 
to  $8  per  acre. 


LAKE  COUNTY 

LEADVILLE  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  9,409  Acres. 

Lake  county  is  located  in  the  central  part  of  the  State,  high  up  on  the 
crest  of  the  great  divide.  This  is  principally  a  mining  section.  Leadville, 
the  county  seat,  a  city  of  7,500  people,  being  one  of  the  world's  famous  min- 
ing camps.  Nearly  all  of  the  county,  with  the  exception  of  a  narrow  strip 
along  the  streams,  is  included  in  the  national  forests. 

The  extremely  high  elevation  of  this  county  renders  what  little  agricul- 
tural lands  there  are  useless,  except  for  raising  hay.  This  crop  is  only  valued 
at  about  $75,000.00  per  year. 

Township  8  S.,  R.  79  W. — This  township  is  high  up  on  the  Continental 
divide,  some  portions  of  it  being  above  timber  line.  The  soil  in  the  valley  is 
very  good  and  water  is  plentiful.  Good  hay  can  be  raised.  The  elevation  is 
too  high  for  any  other  crops.  This  township  is  crossed  by  two  railroads  and 
is  all  included  in  the  national  forest,  except  a  narrow  strip  along  the  head- 
waters of  the  Arkansas  river.  Elevation,  10,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  20 
to  25  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  9  S.,  R.  79  W. — A  very  mountainous  country  lying  in  the 
Leadville  mining  district.     There  are  no  opportunities  here  for  homesteading. 

Township  11  S.,  R.  79  W. — This  township  lies  high  up  on  the  Park  range. 
The  southeastern  corner  is  the  only  portion  not  included  in  the  national  for- 
ests, being  on  the  upper  waters  of  the  Arkansas  river,  and  is  a  very  high, 
narrow  valley.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  9,000  feet.     Crossed  by  railroad. 

Township  8  S.,  R.  80  W. — This  is  a  mountainous  township  high  up  on  the 
crest  of  Tennessee  pass.  A  gently  rolling  section  covered  with  a  dense  un- 
dergrowth of  brush,  willows  and  a  good  growth  of  grass.  Grazing  is  good. 
Elevation,  12,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5 
per  acre. 

Township  9  S.,  R.  80  W. — This  township  is  situated  along  the  headwaters 
of  the  Arkansas  river,  just  east  of  the  Leadville  mining  district.  There  are 
some  narrow  valleys  in  which  hay  can  be  raised.  The  elevation  is  too  high 
for  farming  and  not  very  good  for  the  stockman.  Elevation,  11,000  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  .$3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  This  township 
is  crossed  by  railroad. 

Township  10  S.,  R.  80  W. — There  is  a  narrow  valley  in  this  township, 
which  contains  fine  hay  lands.  No  vacant  lands  of  any  value  are  to  be  found 
here.     Elevation,  10,000  feet. 

Township  11  S.,  R.  80  W. — The  southwestern  corner  is  very  rocky  and 
stony,  with  high  ridges  in  the  central  and  northern  portions.  There  are 
some  good  hay  lands  in  this  district,  but  they  are  all  taken  up  and  the  rest 
is  not  adapted  to  agricultural  purposes.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Crossed  by  railroad.    Elevation,  9,000  feet. 

Township  9  S.,  R.  81  W. — A  mountainous  township  lying  at  the  foot  of 
Mount  Massive,  one  of  Colorado's  highest  mountain  peaks.  Elevation,  12,000 
feet.  What  few  little  meadows  there  are,  have  been  all  taken  up.  There  are 
no  opportunities  here  for  the  settler. 


LA  PLATA  COUNTY 

DURANGO  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  224,439  Acres. 

La  Plata  county  is  located  in  the  extreme  southwestern  part  of  the 
state,  just  south  of  the  San  Juan  mountains.  The  northern  portion  of  the 
county,  in  fact,  is  mountainous  and  included  in  the  Dolores  national  forest; 
the  southern  portion  is  composed  of  good-sized  valleys  along  the  rivers  witli 
mesas  between. 

There  are  large  coal  deposits  in  La  Plata  county.  The  best  valley  land 
is  already  irrigated.  There  is  much  vacant  lands  on  the  mesas  and  in  the 
foothills. 

Durango,  the  county  seat,  has  a  population  of  5,000,  and  is  the  location 
of  smelters  and  other  industries.  The  total  population  of  the  entire  county 
is  only  11,000.  This  is  a  district  of  unusual  natural  resources  and  only 
partially  developed  by  the  small  population. 

It  is  well  worthy  of  investigation  by  those  seeking  a  new  location.  The 
county  is  well  watered  by  the  stre^'ins  from  the  San  Juan  mountains. 

The  approximate  value  per  year  of  the  agricultural  products  is  as  fol- 
lows: 

Wheat  and  other  grains $300,000.00 

Hay     400,000.00 

Vegetables    100,000.00 

Fruits    and    other    corps 50,000.00 

Township  32  N.,  R.  6  W. — This  township  is  rolling  mesa  land,  valleys 
and  low  ridges.  The  valleys  are  filled  with  a  dense  growth  of  sage  brush; 
and  the  ridges  are  covered  with  pinons  and  cedars.  The  soil  is  a  sandy 
clay  and  very  productive  under  irrigation.  There  is  no  running  water.  Cat- 
tle water  is  found  at  holes  which  collect  surface  run-off.  Grass  is  good. 
Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  This  township  is  crossed  by  railroad.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Elevation,  6,500  feet. 

Township  33  N.,  R.  6  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling,  a  land 
of  ridges  and  valleys;  the  former  heavily  timbered  with  cedar  and  the  lat- 
ter covered  with  a  dense  growth  of  sage  brush.  There  is  no  running  water. 
Distance  from  railroad,  three  miles.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,   10  to  15  inches.     Elevation,  6,500  feet. 

Township  32  N.,  R.  7  W. — The  surface  is  a  high  rolling  mesa  covered 
with  a  dense  growth  of  sage  brush  and  scattering  scrub  pine,  pinon  and  cedar. 
The  river  valleys  are  all  taken  up.  This  township  is  crossed  by  railroad. 
Value,  $5  to  $7  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  $15  inches.  Elevation  6,500 
feet. 

Township  33  N.,  R.  7  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  varies  from 
slightly  rolling  mesas  to  level  bottom  lands;  with  a  dense  growth  of  sage 
brush  on  the  mesas,  and  willows,  squaw  brush  and  some  cottonwoods  on  the 
bottom  lands.  Pinons  and  cedars  on  the  slopes  of  tlie  ridges.  There  is  very 
fine,  clear  water  in  numerous  streams.  Good  grass  in  the  bottoms  and 
both  the  mesas  and  valleys  are  well  adapted  to  cultivation.  Value,  $3.50 
to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  6,500  feet. 
Crossed  by  railroad. 


La  Plata  County  155 


Township  34  N.,  R.  7  W. — There  is  very  fine  farming  land  in  this  town- 
ship; it  is  mostly  under  irrigation.  The  soil  is  first-class.  Value,  $7  to  $12 
per  acre.  Distance  from  railroad,  one  mile.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  6,000  feet. 

Township  35  N.,  R.  7  W. — This  township,  with  the  exception  of  the  val- 
ley along  the  Los  Pinos  river,  is  mountainous,  covered  with  pine  and  aspen 
timber  and  a  dense  underbrush  of  scrub  oak.  The  valley  land  is  all  taken; 
the  other  land  is  suitable  only  for  grazing.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  Coal  is 
found  in  this  township.  Distance  from  railroad,  six  miles.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 10  to  15  inches.     Elevation,  7,000  feet. 

Township  36  N.,  R.  7  W. — Considerable  coal  underlies  this  township.  The 
surface  is  generally  mountainous,  covered  with  pine,  spruce  and  aspen  timber. 
There  are  some  cottonwoods  along  the  streams.  Well  watered.  Good  grass. 
Value,  $5  per  acre.  Distance  from  railroad,  ten  miles.  Annual  rainfall,  10 
to   15  inches.     Elevation,  7,500   feet. 

Township  37  N.,  R.  7  W. — This  township  is  very  rocky  and  mountain- 
ous. The  soil  is  third  rate  and  has  a  scattering  growth  of  aspen  and  spruce 
timber.  There  are  numerous  brooks  and  streams  in  different  parts. 
All  of  the  township,  with  the  exception  of  Sections  29,  30,  31  and  32,  is  in- 
cluded in  the  San  Juan  national  forest.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  8,000  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  sixteen 
miles. 

Township  32  N.,  R.  8  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  high  mesa 
land,  deeply  cut  by  gulches  and  valleys.  This  township  is  destitute  of 
water  and  too  high  for  irrigation.  Sage  brush,  pinon  and  cedar  abound. 
Distance  from  railroad,  three  miles.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Elevation,  6,500  feet. 

Township  33  N.,  R.  8  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is,  in  general,  a 
rolling  mesa.  The  soil  is  fine.  There  is  an  excellent  growth  of  gramma 
grass,  furnishing  splendid  grazing.  Portions  of  this  township  are  covered 
with  a  dense  growth  of  scrub  pinon  and  cedar  timber.  Value,  $4  to  $7  per 
acre.  This  township  is  crossed  by  a  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.     Elevation,  6,500  feet. 

Township  34  N.,  R.  8  W. — This  township  is  mostly  rolling  mesa,  covered 
with  a  good  growth  of  grass.  The  northeastern  corner  is  rough  and  mountain- 
ous. Placer  gold  is  found  in  this  township.  Value,  $5  to  $7  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Elevation,  6,500  feet.     Crossed  by  railroad. 

Township  35  N.,  R.  8  W. — The  character  of  this  township  is  below  the 
average  for  this  part  of  the  state.  There  is  some  good  yellow  pine  tim- 
ber, and  there  are  some  valuable  coal  deposits.  The  land  not  taken  is  in 
the  rougher  and  more  mountainous  portions  of  the  township.  Distance  from 
railroad,  one  mile.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.     Elevation,  7,000  feet. 

Township  32  N.,  R.  9  W. — All  of  this  township,  with  the  exception  of  a 
narrow  strip  along  the  Rio  Los  Animas,  is  high,  broken  mesa  land;  cov- 
ered with  heavy  pinon  and  cedar  timber,  with  occasional  openings.  The 
soil  is  good,  covered  with  a  thick  sage  and  oak  brush.  This  township  is 
crossed  by  railroad.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.     Elevation,  6,500  feet. 

Township  33  N.,  R.  9  W. — All,  except  the  northern  and  western  por- 
tions of  this  township  are  high  mesa  lands,  cut  by  deep  gulches.     There  is 


156  La  Plata  County 


very  little  surface  water.  Scattering  pinoii  and  cedar  timber.  The  soil 
is  of  fair  quality.  Value,  $3  to  $5  per  acre.  This  township  is  crossed  by 
railroad.     Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Elevation,  6,500  feet. 

Township  34  N.,  R.  9  W. — The  vacant  lands  in  this  township  are  in  the 
extreme  northwestern  corner,  where  the  surface  is  rather  rough  and  moun- 
tainous, broken  by  steep  ridges  and  bluffs;  there  is  excellent  grass.  The 
remainder  of  the  township  is  underlaid  with  valuable  coal  deposits.  There 
is  quite  a  growtli  of  pine  and  spruce  timber  and  a  dense  scrub  oak  growth. 
This  township  is  crossed  by  railroad.  Value,  $5  to  $7  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Elevation,  6,500  feet. 

Township  34^  N.,  R.  9  W. —  This  is  a  fractional  township  about  six 
miles  wide  and  a  half  mile  north  and  south.  The  surface  is  extremely 
mountainous  and  broken  by  steep  ridges  and  bluffs.  This  is  grazing  land 
only,  and  is  underlaid  with  coal  deposits.  Value,  $5  to  $7  per  acre.  An- 
nual rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Elevation,  6,500  feet.     Crossed  by  railroad. 

Township  35  N.,  R.  9  W. — In  this  township  is  Durango,  the  county  seat 
of  La  Plata  county,  and  the  metropolis  of  southwestern  Colorado.  There 
is  excellent  farming  land  in  the  valley  of  the  Rio  de  Las  Animas,  which 
crosses  this  township;  but  which  has  all  been  taken  up  and  patented.  Coal 
has  been  found  in  the  western  section.  Scattering  pine  timber  on  the  tops 
of  the  higli,  mesas.  The  rest  of  the  township  is  excellent  grazing  land. 
Value,  $8  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  6,500 
feet.    Crossed  by  railroad. 

Township  32  N.,  R.  10  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  mesa  land, 
sloping  to  the  south.  There  is  more  or  less  pinon,  pine  and  cedar  timber. 
There  are  a  number  of  basins  in  the  central  and  southern  portions  with 
fine  grass.  Very  little  surface  water.  Value,  $4  to  $7  per  acre.  A  railroad 
runs  within  a  half  mile  east  of  the  boundary.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.     Elevation,  6,500  feet. 

Township  33  N.,  R,  10  W. — This  township  is  mostly  hills  and  mesa 
land;  but  all  is  valuable  either  for  agricultural  or  grazing  purposes.  The 
timber  is  mostly  aspen.  Not  much  surface  water.  The  valley  of  the  Rio 
de  Las  Animas  and  a  railroad  runs  along  the  eastern  boundary.  The  level 
bottom  lands  have  been  all  taken  up,  but  other  portions  of  the  township 
look  very  promising  for  homeseekers.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  12  to  18  inches.    Elevation,  6,500  feet. 

Township  34  N.,  R.  10  W. — This  is  a  rolling,  hilly  township,  naturally 
covered  with  a  fine  growth  of  grass  and  timbered  with  pine,  pinon  and 
cedars.  A  railroad  runs  along  the  eastern  boundary.  Value,  $5  to  $7  per 
acre.    Annual  rainfall,  12  to  18  inches.     Elevation,  6,500  feet. 

Township  35  N.,  R.  10  W. — With  the  exception  of  the  southeastern  por- 
tion, the  surface  of  this  township  is  badly  broken  with  steep  ridges  and 
high  parks.  There  are  valuable  timber  and  coal  lands  here.  Value,  $3.50 
to  $10  per  acre.  This  township  is  crossed  by  railroad,  and  lies  west  of 
Durango.     Annual  rainfall,  15  inches.     Elevation,  7,000  feet. 

Township  32  N.,  R.  11  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  a  series  of 
mesas,  separated  by  level  sagebrush  plains.  The  streams  are  dry  most 
of  the  time.  There  is  a  little  timber  along  the  ridges.  The  soil  is  of  fair 
quality.  Distance  from  railroad,  six  miles.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.     Elevation,  6,000  feet. 


La  Plata  County  157 


Township  33  N.,  R.  11  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  made  up  of 
a  series  of  more  or  less  broken  mesas,  separated  and  drained  by  arroyos  in 
little  valleys.  Heavy  pinon  and  cedars  grow  on  the  uplands,  while  the 
valleys  are  filled  with  rank  sage  brush.  There  are  indications  of  coal. 
Water  is  scarce.  The  soil  is  deep  and  rich.  Grass  very  scanty  and  timber 
has  little  or  no  commercial  value.  Distance  from  railroad,  six  miles.  Value, 
$5  to  $8  per  acre.     Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.     Elevation,  6,500  feet. 

Township  34  N.,  R.  11  W. — The  southeastern  portion  of  this  township, 
in  which  the  vacant  lands  occur,  is  high  mesa  land,  crossed  by  rocky  ridges, 
covered  with  a  dense  growth  of  sage  and  oak  brush  and  quite  a  little  cedar. 
Distance  from  railroad,  one  mile.  Value,  $4  to  $6  per  acre.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 15  to  20  inches.    Elevation,  7,000  feet. 

Township  35  N.,  R.  11  W. — This  township  is  generally  mountainous  and 
a  coal  mining  section.  The  lands  are  adapted  for  grazing,  but  not  for  agri- 
culture. Heavy  pine  timber  abundant  in  many  parts.  Other  sections  are 
rough  and  mountainous  without  timber,  but  well  covered  with  grass.  Value, 
$5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  7,500  feet.  Crossed 
by  railroad. 

Township  32  N.,  R.  12  W. — This  is  a  fractional  township,  only  three  miles 
wide  by  four  miles  north  and  south,  on  the  extreme  southern  boundary  of 
Colorado,  adjoining  the  New  Mexico  state  line.  The  surface  is  generally  rocky 
and  broken,  with  a  notable  absence  of  grass;  timber  of  a  scrubby  growth, 
being  mostly  pine  and  cedar,  with  frequent  outcroppings  of  coal.  There  is  no 
surface  water,  with  the  exception  of  a  soda  spring.  Distance  from  railroad, 
twelve  miles.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 6,000  feet. 

Township  33  N.,  R.  12  W. — The  southern  and  eastern  parts  of  this  town- 
ship are  cut  up  by  deep  canons  and  covered  with  a  dense  growth  of  pine,  cedar 
and  pinon  timber.  The  soil  is  a  rich,  sandy  loam.  There  are  coal  indications 
in  some  places.  Value,  $5  to  $15  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Elevation,  6,500  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  twelve  miles. 

Township  34  N.,  R.  12  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  broken  and 
rolling.  It  is  crossed  by  the  La  Plata  river  and  several  good  size  creeks. 
Most  of  the  township  is  settled  and  under  irrigation.  Good  grass  in  all 
portions  and  more  or  less  timber  along  the  ridges.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per 
acre.  Distance  from  railroad,  five  miles.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Elevation,  6,500  feet. 

Township  35  N.,  R.  12  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rough  and 
broken.  Spruce,  cedar,  pine  and  cottonwood  timber  found  throughout  the 
township.  It  is  crossed  by  one  small  stream.  Cherry  creek.  Not  much 
of  a  farming  section,  but  fine  for  stock.  There  are  some  natural  meadows 
in  the  gulches.  Good  grass  everywhere.  Distance  from  railroad,  one  mile. 
Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  7,500 
feet. 

Township  32  N.,  R.  13  W. — The  only  agricultural  lands  are  along  the 
La  Plata  river.  Sections  14,  15,  22  and  23  contain  extensive  coal  deposits. 
The  balance  of  the  township  is  cut  up  by  canyons  and  covered  with  a  thick 
growth  of  pine,  pinon  and  cedar  timber.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Distance 
from  railroad,  fifteen  miles.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation, 
6,000  feet. 

Township  33  N.,  R.  13  W. — The  surface  is  high  mesa  lands.  The  south- 
eastern portion  is  mountainous  and  cut  by  deep  ravines.     The  southern  and 


158  La  Plata  County 


western  portions  are  covered  with  dense  pinon  timber,  excepting  along  the 
ravines,  where  some  good  grass  is  to  be  found.  The  central  and  northern 
portions  are  covered  with  scattering  pinons  and  cedars  and  sage  brush.  The 
soil  is  good.  No  water  for  irrigation.  Value,  $5  to  $7  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Distance  from  railroad, 
eighteen  miles. 

Township  34  N.,  R.  13  W. — This  township  contains  land  of  nearly  every 
description,  from  fine  farming  lands  to  worthless  rocky  ridges.  Only  one 
small  stream  of  flowing  water  in  the  township.  No  attempt  has  been  made 
to  find  water  by  drilling  nor  by  digging  wells.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  7,000  feet.  Distance  from  rail- 
road, ten  miles. 


LARIMER   COUNTY 

DENVER  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  339,960  Acres. 

Larimer  county  is  located  in  the  north-central  portion  of  Colorado,  ad- 
joining the  Wyoming  state  line.  It  is  bounded  on  the  west  by  the  Medicine 
Bow  range  of  mountains.  In  the  eastern  portion  of  the  county  is  the  Poudre 
valley;  the  rest  of  the  county  is  rough  and  mountainous,  interspersed  with 
fine  valleys  and  open  parks.  Fort  Collins,  the  county  seat,  has  a  population 
of  8,500.  The  Poudre  valley  is  a  highly  cultivated  and  very  productive 
district,  raising  grains,  potatoes,  sugar  beets  and  large  quantities  of  berries. 

In  the  southwestern  corner  of  Larimer  county  is  located  the  famous 
Estes  park,  near  which  has  just  been  created  the  Rocky  Mountain  national 
park.  This  is  a  very  rugged  section  of  the  State  and  will  always  be  pre- 
served by  the  government  for  its  scenery. 

The  mountainous  sections  of  Larimer  county  are  very  sparsely  settled, 
although  they  are  interspersed  with  many  fertile  little  valleys  that  are  at- 
tractive to  the  eye  and  would  prove  profitable  as  places  of  residence  to 
those  desiring  to  go  into  the  stock  raising  business. 

A  large  part  of  the  mountainous  section  of  the  county  is  included  in 
the  Colorado  national  forest. 

The  approximate  value  per  year  of  the  agricultural  products  is  as 
follows : 

Sugar   beets    $1,500,000.00 

Wheat  and  cereals    1,000,000.00 

Hay    900,000.00 

Vegetables     200,000.00 

Other  important  towns,  besides  Fort  Collins,  are  Loveland,  with  a 
population  of  4,000;  Berthoud,  with  a  population  of  900. 

Larimer  county  is  well  watered  by  the  Poudre  river  and  the  Big  Thomp- 
son river.  Tlie  mountainous  sections  are  very  attractive  to  the  tourist 
for  hunting,  fishing  and  sightseeing. 

Township  9  N.,  R.  68  W. — The  surface  slopes  westward  from  a  ridge 
on  the  eastern  line  and  all  except  the  extreme  northwestern  corner  is  under 
irrigation.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam.  There  is  good  natural  grasses.  There 
is  no  surface  M'ater  outside  of  the  irrigation  systems.  Value,  $10  to  $12 
per  acre.  This  township  is  crossed  by  the  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to 
15  inches.     Elevation,  5,500  feet. 

Township  10  N.,  R.  68  W. — The  surface  is  gently  rolling  on  the  western 
half;  inclining  to  be  hilly  on  the  eastern  half.  Section  24  is  quite  rough. 
Value,  $5  to  $6  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,000 
feet.     Railroad  crosses  this  township. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  69  W. — The  northeastern  corner  of  this  township  is 
cut  by  hogbacks  or  sandstone  ridges.  The  only  land  vacant  is  on  top  of 
these,  and  worthless. 


160  Larimer  County 


Township  6  N.,  R.  69  W. — The  western  portion  of  this  township  is 
traversed  by  precipitous  sandstone  ridges  running  north  and  south.  The 
only  vacant  lands  in  this  township  are  on  top  of  these  ridges  and  worth- 
less. 

Township  8  N.,  R.  69  W. — The  only  vacant  lands  in  this  township  are 
on  top  of  stony,  rocky  ridges  and  of  no  value. 

Township  9  N.,  R.  69  W. — The  only  vacant  lands  in  this  township  are 
in  the  extreme  western  edge  lying  to  top  along  the  rocky  ridges  and  are  of 
no  value. 

Township  10  N.,  R.  69  W. — Most  of  this  township  is  good  dry  farming 
land,  comparatively  level.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam.  The  surface  of  the 
two  western  tiers  of  sections  very  broken,  not  suitable  for  farming.  The 
northern  part  of  Section  4  lies  on  a  steep  hillside,  not  suitable  for  cultiva- 
tion. Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation, 
5,500  feet.     Four  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  69  W. — The  surface  is  generally  broken  by  ridges 
and  gullies;  some  parts  are  hilly  and  some  fairly  level.  The  soil  is  a 
sandy  loam,  with  outcrops  of  rock.  Fair  grazing.  Very  little  surface 
water.  Value,  $8  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 6,000  feet.     Five  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  12  N.,  R.  69  W. — This  is  a  fractional  township  adjoining  the 
Wyoming  state  line.  The  surface  is  broken  and  hilly.  Water  scarce.  There 
is  no  timber.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam  with  rock  outcrops.  Fair  grazing. 
Very  little  surface  water.  Not  suitable  for  farming.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Six  miles  from 
the  railroad. 

Township  4  N.,  R.  70  W. — This  is  rough  mountainous  land,  suitable  for 
grazing  only.  Some  timber.  Plenty  of  water.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inclies.  Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Three  miles  from  the 
railroad. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  70  W. — All  the  valleys  and  agricultural  lands  have 
been  taken  in  this  township,  leaving  only  the  rough  broken  mountainous 
lands.  There  is  some  timber.  Generally,  fair  grazing.  Value,  $3.50  to  $8 
per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Five  miles 
from  the  railroad. 

Township  6  N.,  R.  70  W. — This  is  rough  mountainous  land,  partly  rock. 
There  is  quite  a  growth  of  pine  and  spruce  trees.  The  small  valleys  along 
the  creeks  are  all  taken  up.  Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall, 
15  to  20  inches.     Elevation,  6,000  feet.     Five  miles  to  the  railroad. 

Township  7  N.,  R.  70  W.— The  surface  of  this  township  is  mountainous 
and  badly  broken;  very  rocky.  The  soil  is  sandy  and  gravelly.  Valley  land 
all  taken  up.  Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre.  Plenty  of  surface  water.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  One  mile  from  the  rail- 
road. 

Township  8  N.,  R.  70  W.— With  the  exception  of  the  valley  in  the  east- 
ern portion,  this  township  is  all  rough  and  mountainous;  it  is  crossed  by 
numerous  creeks  and  gulches  and  also  by  the  Poudre  river.  The  land  suit- 
able for  cultivation  is  all  taken  up;  the  only  vacant  land  is  mountainous, 
valuable  only  for  what  little  timber  there  is  and  grazing  purposes.  Reached 
by  spur  railroad.  Value  of  vacant  lands,  $7  per  acre.  Good  water.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  inches.     Elevation,  6,000  feet. 


Larimer  County  161 


Township  9  N.,  R.  70  W. — The  surface  is  nearly  all  mountainous.  The 
small  area,  suitable  for  agriculture,  all  taken.  Reached  by  a  spur  railroad. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre.  Elevation,  5,500  to  7,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall, 
10  to  15  inches. 

Township  10  N.,  R.  70  W. — The  northern  and  central  portions  of  this 
township  are  of  a  sandstone  formation;  the  eastern  portion  is  clay  and 
limestone  and  the  southern  and  western  granite.  It  consists  of  alternate 
ranges  of  hills  and  fertile  valleys.  The  valleys  of  the  Stonewall  and  Lone 
Blue  creeks  and  the  North  Poudre  river  are  well  watered  and  produce  large 
quantities  of  hay,  vegetables  and  small  grains.  The  mountains  are  covered 
with  good  nutritious  grasses  and  in  the  northwestern  part  with  a  scattered 
growth  of  pine  timber.  Stock  raising  and  hay  farming,  the  principal  in- 
dustries. Value,  $3.50  to  $10  per  acre.  Nine  miles  from  the  railroad.  An- 
nual rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.     Elevation,  6,000  feet. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  70  W. — The  eastern  portion  is  hilly  and  broken;  in 
the  western  portion,  although  the  surface  is  hilly,  it  has  much  rolling 
ground.  Good  sandy  loam.  Well  watered.  Fine  grazing.  Some  timber. 
Elevation,  6,000  to  7,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $3.50 
to  $7  per  acre.     Ten  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  12  N.,  R.  70  W. — The  eastern  portion  is  rather  rough  and 
hilly  with  some  timber  and  excellent  grass;  the  western  portion  is  rolling 
with  meadow  land;  well  watered  and  with  good  soil.  Elevation,  6,500  to 
7,000  feet.  Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Twelve  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  4  N.,  R.  71  W. — The  agricultural  lands  in  this  township  are 
limited  to  small  parks  and  valleys;  many  of  these  being  occupied  and  cul- 
tivated. There  is  good  grazing,  especially  in  the  eastern  part.  There  is 
some  timber.  Plenty  of  water.  Elevation,  5,800  to  8,500  feet.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 15  to  20  inches.    Value,  $5  to  $13  per  acre.    Three  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  71  W. — The  surface  is  mountainous,  rough,  broken 
and  rocky.  There  are  some  small  parks  and  valleys  available  for  farm- 
ing; these  are  all  taken  up.  There  is  some  timber.  Good  grazing  land. 
Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Elevation,  6,500  to  8,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall, 
15  to  20  inches.     Eleven  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  6  N.,  R.  71  W. — This  is  a  very  rough,  mountainous  township. 
There  is  no  available  tillable  land  unclaimed.  Scattered  pine  timber.  Value. 
$2  to  $8  per  acre.  Elevation,  6,200  to  10,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20 
inches.     Eleven  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  7  N.,  R.  71  W. — The  surface  is  very  mountainous.  There  is  a 
fair  stand  of  timber  in  portions.  Well  watered  with  running  streams.  All 
lands  adapted  for  cultivation  already  picked  out  by  settlers.  Elevation, 
6,000  to  8,800  feet.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20 
inches.     Eight  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  8  N.,  R.  71  W.— The  surface  is  rough  and  mountainous.  There 
are  few  narrow  valleys,  but  well  taken  up.  Scattered  timber.  Well  watered 
with  running  streams.  Fair  grazing.  Value,  $5  to  $6  per  acre.  Elevation, 
6,000  to  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  inches.  Five  miles  from  the  rail- 
road. 

Township  9  N.,  R.  71  W. — The  surface  is  rough  and  mountainous.  Land 
suitable    for   cultivation   already    taken.     Some   timber.     Plenty   of   running 


162  Larimer  County 


streams.     Elevation,  6,000  to  7,500  feet.     Annual  rainfall,   10  to  15  inches. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $10  per  acre.     Six  miles  from  the  raih-oad. 

Township  10  N.,  R.  71  W. — The  surface  is  broken  and  mountainous,  but 
along  the  creek  bottom  and  gulches  is  fine  agricultural  land.  There  is  con- 
siderable timber.  Plenty  of  water.  Fair  grazing.  Elevation,  6,500  to  7,000 
feet.  Value,  $3.50  to  $7  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Fifteen 
miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  71  W. — The  eastern  one- third  of  this  township  is  a 
high  grassy  plateau,  well  adapted  to  the  culture  of  small  grains  without 
irrigation.  The  balance  of  the  township  is  mountainous  and  broken,  al- 
though containing  some  good  valleys.  There  is  considerable  timber  in  the 
northwestern  portion.  PJlevation,  6,500  to  7,000  feet.  Value,  $3.50  to  $8 
per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Sixteen  miles  from  the  rail- 
road. 

Township  12  N.,  R.  71  W. — The  surface  is  mountainous  with  small  val- 
leys and  rolling  hills.  The  soil  is  excellent.  Well  watered.  Considerable  of 
this  township  is  under  cultivation.  Elevation,  6,800  to  7,500  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre.  Ten  miles  from  the 
railroad. 

Township  4  N.,  R.  72  W. — This  township  is  very  mountainous.  There 
are  some  natural  parks  and  valleys,  but  the  good  land  has  already  been 
taken  up.  The  surface  is  generally  well  covered  with  timber.  Elevation, 
7,500  to  10,000  feet.  Fair  grazing  land.  Value,  $5  to  $6  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.     Ten  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  72  W. — The  eastern  portion  of  this  township  is  rough, 
rocky  and  barren,  with  poor  timber  and  grass,  excepting  along  the  bottom 
of  the  Big  Thompson.  The  western  half  is  much  better,  forming  the  eastern 
portion  of  Estes  park,  in  which  there  are  some  fine  hay  lands  and  good  tim- 
ber. The  altitude  is  very  high.  The  desirable  lands  are  very  well  taken 
up  in  this  township.  Elevation,  7,000  to  9,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to 
20  inches.  Value  vacant  lands,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Eighteen  miles  from  the 
railroad. 

Township  6  N.,  R.  72  W. — The  northwestern  portion  of  this  township  is 
covered  by  the  Colorado  national  forest.  The  rest  is  rough  and  mountain- 
ous. Fairly  good  grazing.  Some  fair  timber.  Elevation,  7,000  to  9,500  feet. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre.  Well  watered.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20 
inches.     Eighteen  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  7  N.,  R.  72  W. — This  township  is  mountainous  and  is  mostly 
included  in  the  Colorado  national  forest.  There  is  considerable  timber  and 
plenty  of  water.  Very  poor  grazing  land.  It  is  partially  covered  with  fallen 
and  burnt  timber.  Elevation,  7,000  to  10,000  feet.  Too  high  for  agriculture. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $2  to  $5  per  acre.  Twelve  miles 
from  the  railroad. 

Township  8  N.  R.  72  W. — This  township  is  all  included  in  the  Colorado 
National  forest,  excepting  Section  1,  which  is  a  steep  hillside  and  worthless, 
excepting  for  timber  and  grazing  purposes. 

Township  9  N.,  R.  72  W. — Through  the  central  part  of  this  township, 
east  and  west,  the  country  is  well  open  and  adapted  to  stock  raising.  It  is 
rough  in  the  southern  and  northern  portions.  Plenty  of  running  water  in 
streams.     There  are   a   few  trees.     Elevation,   7,000   to   8,000   feet.     Annual 


Larimer  County  163 


rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.     Twelve  miles  from  the 
railroad. 

Township  10  N.,  R.  72  W. — The  surface  is  rough  and  mountainous  with 
considerable  pine  and  spruce  timber,  some  of  it  is  very  heavy.  The  creek 
bottoms  in  the  northern  part  of  the  township  carry  very  fine  grass  and  the 
soil  is  good.  Elevation,  6,700  to  8,000  feet.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  An- 
nual rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Twenty-five  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  72  W. — This  township  is  mountainous  and  broken. 
It  is  covered  with  a  good  growth  of  pine  and  spruce  timber.  The  valleys 
are  generally  narrow.  The  soil  is  very  fertile,  producing  fine  crops  of  small 
grains  and  vegetables.  Irrigation  unnecessary.  Fair  grazing  in  the  moun- 
tainous sections.  There  is  some  timber.  Elevation,  6,500  to  8,000  feet.  Value, 
$6  to  $16  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Fifteen  miles  from  the 
railroad. 

Township  12  N.,  R.  72  W. — The  surface  is  broken  and  mountainous.  There 
is  a  scattered  growth  of  pine  and  spruce  timber.  Elevation,  7,500  to  8,000 
feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre.  Ten  miles 
from  the  railroad. 

Township  4  N.,  R.  73  W. — This  township  is  quite  rough  and  mountainous, 
in  the  southern  portion  raising  to  an  elevation  of  14,000  feet  at  the  crest  of 
Long's  peak.  The  western  portion  is  included  in  the  Colorado  national  forest. 
In  the  northern  part  there  is  some  park  land,  being  in  the  Estes  park  dis- 
trict. No  available  land  suitable  for  cultivation.  Value,  $2  to  $5  per  acre. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.     Twenty-five  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  73  W. — This  township  includes  the  famous  Estes  Park, 
the  largest  and  most  important  summer  resort  in  the  mountains  of  Colo- 
rado.    There  is  no  vacant  land  of  value  in  the  townhsip. 

Township  9  N.,  R.  73  W. — Mountainous  and  rough.  Scattered  pine  tim- 
ber. Well  watered.  Fairly  good  grazing  section.  Some  good  timber.  Value, 
$5  to  $15  per  acre.  Elevation,  about  7,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20 
inches.    Value,  $5  to  $15  per  acre.     Twenty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  10  N.,  R.  73  W. — This  township  is  mountainous,  the  northern 
part  being  pretty  well  broken  and  covered  with  a  good  growth  of  pine  and 
spruce  timber.  Good  grazing.  Well  watered.  Some  land  suitable  for  cul- 
tivation. Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre.  Elevation,  above  7,500  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.     Twenty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  73  W. — The  surface  is  mountainous.  Well  timbered 
with  pine  and  spruce.  Plenty  of  water.  Good  grazing.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per 
acre.  Elevation,  above  7,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  25  inches.  Ten 
miles  from  railroad. 

Township  12  N.,  R.  73  W. — The  surface  is  hilly.  The  soil  sandy  and 
rocky,  covered  with  bunch  grass.  There  is  scattered  pine  and  spruce  timber. 
Very  well  watered  from  small  streams.  Elevation,  8,000  feet.  Value,  $3  to  $5 
per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Ten  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  10  N.,  R.  74  W. — This  township  is  all  mountainous.    The  south- 
western portion  is  included  in  the  Colorado  national  forest.  There  is  a  dense 
frowth  of  pine  and  spruce.  Plenty  of  water.  Good  grazing.  Annual  rainfall, 
5  to  20  inches.     Twenty  miles  from  railroad.     Elevation,  9,000  feet. 


164  Larimer  County 


Township  11  N.,  R.  74  W. — This  township  is  mountainous  and  decidedly 
broken.  Not  adapted  for  the  settler.  Well  watered  with  small  streams. 
Fine  growth  of  timber.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to 
20  inches.     Eighteen  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  12  N.,  R.  74  W. — Tlie  sun  ace  is  rolling.  The  soil  sandy  and 
rocky.  There  is  a  fair  growth  of  buffalo  ana  bunch  grass.  This  township  ad- 
joins the  Wyominpr  state  line.  Suitable  only  for  stock-raising.  Value,  $3.50 
to  $5  per  acre.  Fifteen  miles  from  railroad.  Elevation.  8,000  teet.  Rainfall, 
15  to  20  inches. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  75  W. — The  surface  is  mostly  mountainous.  Some 
hay  is  cut  along  Sand  creek,  which  runs  nortlieast  through  the  township. 
The  southeastern  portion  is  covered  with  pine  and  spruce  timber  of  a  fair 
quality.  This  township  suitable  only  for  stock  raising.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5 
per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  8,000  feet.  Twenty 
miles  from  railroad. 

Township  12  N.,  R.  75  W. — The  surface  is  mountainous,  rolling  and  hilly. 
It  is  covered  with  good  grass.  The  soil  is  sandy  and  rocky  in  places.  Sand 
creek  flows  through  the  township.  The  land  is  of  little  value  excepting  for 
stock  raising.     Value,  $3,50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  10  N.,  R.  76  W. — Most  of  this  township  is  included  in  the  Colo- 
rado national  forest.  It  is  crossed  by  Laramie  river.  The  rainfall  is  suffi- 
cient for  crops.  It  is  partially  mountainous  and  partially  bottom  land.  There 
are  good  hay  lands  along  the  rivers  and  creeks.  This  valley  is  well  adapted 
to  the  culture  of  small  grain  and  vegetables.  Value,  $3.50  to  $12  per  acre. 
Elevation,  8,000  feet.  Amount  of  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Thirty  miles 
from  the  railroad. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  76  W. — This  township  is  partially  mountainous  and 
partially  valley  land.  Along  the  Laramie  river  and  tributary  creeks  is  good 
agricultural  land.  This  township  is  well  watered.  There  is  a  little  available 
timber.  Aside  from  the  valley  land,  the  surface  of  this  township  is  a  second 
grade  of  grazing  land.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Elevation,  8,000  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.     Twenty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  12  N,,  R.  76  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  generally 
mountainous  but  covered  with  a  luxurious  growth  of  grass.  Very  little  tim- 
ber. There  is  water  in  the  gulches,  sufficient  for  all  purposes.  Value,  $5  to 
$12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  8,500  feet.  Twenty 
miles   from  railroad. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  77  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  nearly  all 
mountainous.  The  southwestern  portion  is  included  in  the  Colorado  national 
forest  and  is  covered  with  pine  and  spruce  timber.  In  the  eastern  portion 
there  is  little  timber.  The  mountains  are  rolling  and  covered  with  the  best 
of  grass.    This  is  a  good  stock  country.    Value,  $3.50  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  12  N.,  R.  77  W. — The  surface  is  mostly  mountainous.  The 
northern  part  is  open  and  rolling  and  covered  with  a  good  growth  of  bunch 
grass.  It  is  well  watered  by  the  Laramie  river  and  its  tributary  creeks, 
gulches  and  springs.  The  rainfall  is  sufficient,  without  irrigating,  for  all 
purposes.  This  is  a  fine  stock  country.  Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre.  Eleva- 
tion, 8,000  feet.     Twenty- five  miles   from  railroad. 


LAS   ANIMAS  COUNTY 

LAMAR  LAND  DISTRICT—Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  285,698  Acres. 
PUEBLO   LAND   DISTRICT— Area   of  Vacant  Lands,   1,521,190  Acres. 

Las  Animas  county  is  located  in  the  southern  part  of  the  State,  adjoin- 
ing the  New  Mexico  state  line.  This  is  one  of  the  largest  counties  in  the 
State  and  one  of  the  most  sparsely  settled,  the  total  population  of  the 
county  being  35,000.  Practically  one-third  of  the  population  lives  in  the 
city  of  Trinidad,  located  in  the  extreme  western  portion  of  the  county,  and 
the  commercial  metropolis  of  Southern  Colorado. 

The  western  portion  of  Las  Animas  county  is  a  very  productive  coal 
mining  section,  producing  a  high  quality  of  bituminous  coal. 

The  eastern  part  of  the  county  is  sparsely  settled  and  is  composed  of 
rolling  prairie  and  high  mesas.  Most  of  the  drainage  runs  in  canons  or  deep 
ravines.  This  is  an  exceptionally  good  locality  for  stock-raising  and  some 
day  will  be  famous  for  its  production  of  butter,  cheese  and  other  dairy 
products. 

There  is  still  a  good  deal  of  land  open  for  settlement  that  can  be  culti- 
vated without  irrigation  in  Las  Animas  county. 

The  approximate  value  per  year  of  the  agricultural  products  is  as  follows: 

Wheat  and  other  grains    $100,000,00 

Hay    350,000.00 

Fruits,  vegetables  and  other  crops 100,000.00 

LAMAR  LAND  DISTRICT. 

Township  28  S.,  R.  51  W. — A  part  of  this  township  is  prairie  land  and 
a  part  of  it  is  broken  land  on  the  edge  of  Cedar  hills.  The  latter  part  is 
covered  with  cedars  of  fair  quality  in  places.  The  grass  throughout  the 
township  is  of  the  best.  In  dry  seasons,  water  is  scarce,  but  could  probably  be 
obtained  by  digging.  There  are  some  water  holes  along  Rule  creek  all  the 
year.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 4,500  feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  thirty  miles. 

Township  29  S.,  R.  51  W. — This  township  is  crossed  diagonally  by  Two 
Butte  creek,  in  which  there  is  running  water  the  year  round.  The  surface  is 
generally  rolling  prairie  land.  The  soil,  a  sandy  loam  with  a  scant  growth 
of  scrub  cedars.  Excellent  grazing.  Value,  $3.50  to  $6  per  acre.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  thirty- 
six  miles. 

Township  30  S.,  R.  51  W. — The  surface  is  principally  high,  rolling  prairie, 
with  excellent  grass.  Fine  springs  with  some  timber  throughout  the  town- 
ship. This  is  in  the  open  range  and  used  for  sheep  grazing  at  present.  The 
soil  is  a  sandy  loam.  Very  rough  and  broken  along  the  creeks.  Some  of  this 
land  can  be  irrigated.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20 
inches.     Elevation,  5,000  feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  forty  miles. 

Township  31  S.,  R.  51  W. — The  principal  occupation  of  this  township  is 
cattle  raising,  but  farming  to  a  limited  extent  could  be  carried  on  in  the 
valleys  of  Wild  Horse  creek,  which   is  the  only  stream  affording  water  for 


166 Las  Animas  County 

irrigation.  The  entire  township  affords  excellent  grazing.  Value,  $3.60  to  $6 
per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inchea.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Distance 
irom  railroad,  forty- five  miles. 

Township  32  S.,  R.  51  W. — This  township  is  on  top  of  a  rolling  mesa. 
It  is  covered  with  a  good  growth  of  gramma  and  buffalo  grass  during  the 
rainy  season.  Several  gulches  run  across  the  township,  containing  water  holes. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 5,000  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  forty  miles. 

Township  33  S.,  R.  51  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  broken  and 
mountainous;  but  the  lands  in  the  bottom  of  the  canons  are  very  fertile. 
Tecaloe  creek,  which  runs  through  the  southwestern  part  of  the  township, 
has  a  valley  of  thirty  to  forty  chains  wide,  and  abundance  of  water  and  fine 
grass.  There  are  some  cedar  trees  scattered  throughout  the  township  and  a 
good  growth  of  native  grasses.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall, 
15  to  20  inches.    Elevation,  5,000  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  forty  miles. 

Township  34  S.,  R.  51  W. — The  surface  is  mostly  mountainous  and  rocky. 
The  northern  part  is  well  watered  by  the  West  Carrizo  creek,  which  contains 
a  small  valley  that  is  very  fertile.  Outside  of  one  valley  the  township  is 
strictly  grazing  land.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to 
20  inches.    Elevation,  5,000  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  forty  miles. 

Township  35  S.,  R.  51  W. — This  is  a  fractional  township  adjoining  the 
New  Mexico  State  line.  It  is  covered  principally  by  a  high  volcanic  mesa. 
The  surface  is  rough  and  mountainous.  Tlie  soil  is  very  rocky  but  produces 
a  fair  growth  of  grain  and  other  grasses.  The  narrow  fields  in  the  canons 
produce  good  crops  when  cultivated.  The  only  surface  water  is  at  the  bottom 
of  deep,  narrow  canons.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Elevation,  5,000  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  forty  miles. 

Township  28  S.,  R.  52  W. — This  township  is  high  prairie  land  near  the 
head  of  Rule  creek  and  is  surrounded  by  high  lulls  covered  with  cedars.  The 
grass  is  excellent.  It  is  an  open  range  country  used  for  sheep  grazing  at 
present.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 4,700  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  thirty  miles. 

Township  29  S.,  R.  52  W. — The  surface  is  extremely  rough  and  mountain- 
ous and  covered  with  a  dense  growth  of  timber.  It  is  a  grazing  country  and 
not  suitable  for  agriculture.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15 
to  20  inches.    Elevation,  5,000  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  thirty-three  miles. 

Township  30  S.,  R.  52  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  broken  in  some 
places,  particularly  along  the  streams  and  rivers;  in  other  parts,  rolling 
prairie  land.  There  is  plenty  of  good  running  water  and  some  timber.  Fair 
grass.  There  is  no  farming  in  this  vicinity  at  present.  The  lands  are  used 
for  grazing.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Elevation,  5,300  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  thirty-six  miles. 

Township  31  S.,  R.  52  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  generally  roll- 
ing. There  is  a  good  supply  of  water.  Covered  with  good  grass.  The  soil  is  a 
sandy  loam  in  some  places  and  a  hard  sandy  clay  soil  in  others.  Used  at 
the  present  times  for  grazing  only.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  5,400  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  forty 
miles. 

Township  32  S.,  R.  52  W. — This  is  a  rolling  prairie  land  cut  up  by  many 
arroyos  and  creeks.    Grood  grazing  land.    Not  suitable  for  farming.    Value,  $2 


Las  Animas  County 167 

to  $3.60  per  acre.     Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.     Elevation,  6,300  feet. 
Distance  from  railroad,  thirty-eight  miles. 

Township  33  S.,  R.  52  W. — This  township  is  rough  and  mountainous  land. 
West  of  Carrizo  mountain.  The  soil  is  generally  oi  third  rate.  It  is  badly 
broken  by  gullies,  carrying  water  only  after  rains.  Fit  only  for  grazing. 
Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  5,300  feet. 
Thirty-five  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  34  S.,  R.  52  W. — The  Carrizo  valley,  which  crosses  this  town- 
ship, is  valued  as  hay  land  and  is  watered  by  springs.  The  uplands  are 
broken  and  mountainous  and  covered  in  some  places  by  short  buffalo  grass. 
Principally  a  stock  country.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20 
inches.    Elevation,  5,400  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  thirty-three  miles. 

Township  35  S.,  R.  52  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  very  rough 
and  mountainous.  It  is  fairly  Avell  covered  with  scrub  oaks.  The  country 
is  well  adapted  for  grazing.  There  is  no  irrigation  water  except  what  is  nec- 
essary for  small  gardens.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to 
20  inches.    Elevation,  5,500  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  thirty-three  miles. 

PUEBLO  LAND  DISTRICT. 

Township  28  S.,  R.  53  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  partially  open 
prairie  and  partly  broken  rocky  country.  It  is  well  adapted  for  a  stock 
country  but  not  recommended  as  agricultural  land.  Muddy  creek  runs  through 
the  township  and  there  is  plenty  of  poor  timber.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  An- 
nual rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  4,800  feet.  Distance  from  railroad, 
twenty-eight  miles. 

Township  29  S.,  R.  53  W. — This  is  a  very  rough  and  mountainous  town- 
ship throughout.  It  is  cut  up  by  deep  canons  and  suitable  only  for  grazing. 
Considerable  scrub  cedar  timber.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to 
20  inches.    Elevation,  5,000  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  twenty-eight  miles. 

Township  30  S.,  R.  53  W. — Good  prairie  land  covered  with  excellent  grass 
except  in  the  extreme  western  portion,  which  is  broken.  Considerable  pine  and 
cedar  timber.  Several  springs  in  the  western  branch  of  Two  Butte  creek.  Soil 
a  sandy  loam.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Thirty  miles 
from  railroad.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  31  S.,  R.  53  W. — This  township  is  high  table  land  with  a  slight 
drainage  towards  the  northeast.  Portions  of  the  township  are  very  rough. 
It  is  the  open  range  and  used  at  the  present  time  for  sheep  grazing.  Some 
scrub  cedar  timber.  Not  suitable  for  agriculture.     Value,  $3.50  per  acre. 

Township  32  S.,  R.  53  W. — The  surface  is  generally  high  rolling  table  land. 
The  valley  of  Tecaloe  creek  is  suitable  for  farming,  to  some  extent.  There 
are  some  good  springs  in  the  township.  The  bulk  of  the  township  is  useless 
except  for  stock  raising.  There  are  some  scattered  pinon  trees.  Value,  $3.50 
per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Distance  from 
railroad,  thirty  miles. 

Township  33  S.,  R.  53  W. — This  lies  on  the  northern  edge  of  Mesa  De 
Maya.  The  surface  is  generally  very  rough  and  hilly.  The  township  is  occu- 
pied by  Mexicans  and  used  for  sheep  grazing.  The  grass  is  poor.  The  avail- 
able flowing  water  has  been  appropriated  for  irrigating  the  arid  valleys. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  16  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  5,500 
feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  thirty  miles. 


168 Las  Animas  County 

Township  34  S.,  R.  53  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  mostly  rough 
and  mountainous.  There  is  some  fertile  mesa  land  and  considerable  timber. 
The  surface  is  cut  up  by  canyons.  Good  only  for  grazing.  Value,  $3.50  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Distance  from 
railroad,  twenty-eight  miles. 

Township  35  S.,  R.  53  W. — This  is  a  fractional  township  on  the  southern 
boundary  of  Colorado,  adjoining  New  Mexico  State  line,  consisting  of  high 
sandstone  table  lands,  broken  by  deep  canons.  There  is  some  timber.  The 
soil  is  mostly  thin  and  rocky.  The  canons  furnish  a  good  supply  of  water 
for  stock  and  a  limited  amount  for  irrigation.  There  is  considerable  growth 
of  scrub  oak  and  cedar  and  pinon.  Suitable  for  grazing  only.  Value,  $3.50 
per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Distance 
from  railroad,  twenty-eight  miles. 

Township  28  S.,  R.  54  W. — Very  rough  and  hilly  country.  There  is  water 
from  springs  and  in  some  of  the  canons.  A  small  percentage  of  prairie  land. 
Covered  with  excellent  grass.  Tlie  rougher  portions  are  covered  with  pine  and 
cedar  timber,  suitable  only  for  grazing.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 12  to  16  inches.  Elevation,  4,800  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  eighteen 
miles. 

Township  29  S.,  R.  54  W. — The  surface  is  very  rough  and  hilly.  This  sec- 
tion is  cut  by  many  canyons  covered  with  a  sparce  growth  of  cedars  and  pinons 
Suitable  only  for  grazing  and  used  at  present  as  sheep  range.  No  agricultural 
land.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation, 
5,000  feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  twenty-two  miles. 

Township  30  S.,  R.  54  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rough  and 
broken  with  ridges  and  covered  with  scattered  cedar  trees.  Cannot  be  irri- 
gated. Light  sandy  soil.  No  agricultural  land  except  of  third  rate  value 
along  Smith  canon.  Even  this  cannot  be  irrigated.  There  are  springs  in 
Smith  and  Pinon  canons.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20 
inches.    Elevation,  5,400  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  twenty-five  miles. 

Township  31  S.,  R.  54  W. — The  north  and  east  portions  of  this  town- 
ship are  extremely  rough  and  mountainous,  partly  covered  with  scrub  pinon 
and  cedars.  There  are  some  small  patches  of  ground  suitable  for  cultivation, 
but  principally  a  stock  country.  Cannot  be  irrigated.  Very  little  surface 
water.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 5,500  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  thirty  miles. 

Township  32  S.,  R.  54  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  principally 
rolling  prairie  land,  cut  by  deep  canons.  Streams  furnish  abundance  of  water 
for  stock.  The  soil  is  a  heavy  clay  which  will  also  raise  excellent  wheat. 
Principal  occupation,  stock  raising.  Has  a  fair  stand  of  grass  and  is  used  at 
present  principally  for  sheep  grazing.  Value,  $3.50  to  $6  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  5,700  feet.  Distance  from  railroad, 
twenty-five  miles. 

Township  33  S.,  R.  54  W. — Tliis  township  is  generally  rough  and  moun- 
tainous. Carrizo  creek  and  its  tributaries  furnish  water  for  stock  most  of 
the  year.  There  are  a  few  live  streams  at  the  foot  of  Mesa  de  Maya.  This 
township  furnislies  fair  grazing,  but  contains  very  little  agricultural  land. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  5,800 
feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  twenty  miles. 

Township  34  S.,  R.  54  W. — This  township  lies  on  a  high  mesa  called  Mesa 
de  Maya.     It  is  drained  by  deep  canons.  There  are  some  small  valleys  that 


Las  Animas  County  169 


could  be  irrigated.  Most  of  the  township  is  suitable  only  for  grazing.  Por- 
tions of  it  are  verj'^  rough.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15 
to  20  inches.    Elevation,  6,000  feot.    Distance  from  railroad,  twenty  miles. 

Township  35  S.,  R.  54  W. — This  is  a  fractional  township  lying  in  the  ex- 
treme southern  boundary  of  Colorado  adjoining  the  New  Mexico  state  line. 
It  is  mainly  on  a  high  volcanic  mesa  whose  surface  is  rough  and  mountain- 
ous. Good  grazing.  No  surface  water  and  no  land  suitable  for  cultivation. 
Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  6,000  feet. 
Distance  from  railroad,  twenty  miles. 

Township  28  S.,  R.  55  W. — The  Picket  Wire  river  crosses  the  northeastern 
corner  of  this  township.  There  is  cultivated  land  along  the  valleys  of  this 
river.  A  portion  of  the  township  is  open  prairie  land  used  for  stock  grazing. 
The  southeastern  part  of  the  township  is  a  high  rolling  mesa  with  a  scat- 
tering growth  of  pinon  and  cedars.  Value  of  lands  outside  of  the  river  valley, 
$3.50  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,500  feet. 
Distance  from  railroad,  fifteen  miles. 

Township  29  S.,  R,  55  W. — This  township  is  generally  arid  and  useful  only 
for  grazing.  The  surface  is  quite  mountainous  with  a  heavy  growth  of  pinon 
and  cedars.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation, 
4,500  feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  eighteen  miles. 

Township  30  S.,  R.  55  W. — This  township  is  a  very  wild  and  mountainous 
country,  being  cut  up  with  rocky  canons.  It  is  a  good  cattle  country,  being 
well  sheltered  and  supplied  with  water.  It  is  covered  with  scrub  cedar  timber. 
The  soil  is  a  clay  loam.  Most  of  the  township  is  suitable  only  for  grazing 
Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,000 
feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  twenty- five  miles. 

Township  31  S.,  R.  55  W. — This  township  is  partially  rough  and  moun- 
tainous, covered  with  scrub  timber;  and  partially  rolling  prairie  land,  cov- 
ered with  a  fair  stand  of  buffalo  grass.  There  is  no  surface  water.  Value, 
$5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Distance 
from  railroad,  twenty-five  miles. 

Township  32  S.,  R.  55  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  principally 
rolling  prairie,  broken  in  places  by  canons,  which  contain  water  the  year 
round.  There  is  a  fair  stand  of  buffalo  grass  in  the  open  range  and  used  for 
grazing  at  the  present  time.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20 
inches.    Elevation,  5,500  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  twenty  miles. 

Township  33  S.,  R.  55  W. — This  township  is  rough  mesa  land  in  the 
southern  part  and  smooth  mesa  land  in  the  central  and  northern  parts.  There 
is  no  surface  water.  In  the  open  range  and  used  as  a  stock  country  at  the 
present  time.  Covered  with  a  fair  stand  of  buffalo  grass.  Value,  $3.50  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Distance  from 
railroad,  fifteen  miles. 

Township  34  S.,  R.  55  W. — This  township  is  rough  and  mountainous,  lying 
on  the  Mesa  de  Maya.  Grazing  land  only.  Some  timber.  Used  as  a  stock 
range.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Annual  raiaifall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation, 
6,000  feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  fifteen  miles. 

Township  35  S.,  R.  55  W. — High  table  land  deeply  cut  and  intersected  by 
numerous  canons.  The  soil  is  mostly  loamy,  but  fertile,  and  produces  good 
crops  of  grain  and  grasses.  Some  timber.  A  supply  of  water  is  found  in 
Covert  canon.    Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre.     Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 


170 Las  Animas  County 

Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  fifteen  miles.  The  bottom  lands 
in  this  township  could  be  irrigated,  but  are  mostly  subject  to  inundation  during 
the  rainy  season.    This  section  is  used  at  present  for  sheep  grazing. 

Township  28  S.,  R.  56  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  principally 
prairie.  Some  portions  are  badly  broken  by  the  canons  and  arroyos,  charac- 
teristic of  this  section.  Picket  Wire  river,  a  stream  of  fair  size,  crosses  the 
extreme  southeastern  corner  of  the  township.  Used  at  the  present  time  for 
grazing.  Porcelain  clay  of  excellent  quality  and  gypsum  are  found  in  the 
canons.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 4,500  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  ten  miles. 

Township  29  S.,  R.  56  W. — This  township  is  crossed  diagonally  by  Picket 
Wire  river,  which  runs  through  a  canon.  The  general  character  of  this  town- 
ship is  rough  and  rocky.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to 
15  inches.    Elevation,  4,500  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  fifteen  miles. 

Township  30  S.,  R.  56  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  quite  rough. 
WTiat  open  level  land  there  is,  is  cut  by  deep  canons.  There  is  a  limited 
amount  of  water  available  for  irrigation  in  the  Chaquaqua,  which  crosses  the 
township.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Ele- 
vation, 4,500  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  twenty  miles. 

Township  31  S.,  R.  56  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rather  rough 
and  mountainous.  There  is  considerable  timber  of  indifferent  quality.  Por- 
tions of  the  surface  are  rather  level  bench  land,  cut  by  canons.  There  is 
some  water  for  stock  in  the  canons  and  some  springs.  Good  stock  raising  sec- 
tion. Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Distance  from 
railroad,  twenty  miles. 

Township  32  S.,  R.  56  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  table  land  in- 
clined to  be  mountainous  in  parts  and  generally  cut  up  by  canons.  There  is 
some  good  land  in  this  township,  covered  with  a  good  growth  of  gramma  and 
buffalo  grass.  A  few  pine  trees  and  some  brush  is  scattered  over  the  surface, 
forming  good  shelter  for  stock.  The  larger  canyons  contain  plenty  of  water  for 
stock  purposes  and  the  land  is  irrigated  in  the  small  valleys.  Annual  rainfall, 
15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  fifteen  miles. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  33  S.,  R.  56  W. — This  township  lies  on  the  northern  slope  of  the 
Mesa  de  Maya,  the  southern  edge  being  on  the  top.  It  is  a  rough  and  broken 
country.  The  principal  occupation  is  stock  raising.  There  is  some  mill-size 
timber  in  the  gullies.  For  grazing  purposes  the  land  is  worth  $3.50  per  acre. 
The  value  of  the  timber  being  additional  to  this.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20 
inches.    Elevation,  6,000  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  ten  miles. 

Township  34  S.,  R.  56  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  mostly  rough 
and  rolling  mesa  land.  It  is  fair  for  grazing.  Used  at  the  present  time  for 
sheep  raising.  There  is  water  in  the  deep  Box  canyon  and  a  scrubby  growth 
of  cedars  and  pinons.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20 
inches.    Elevation,  6,000  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  eight  miles. 

Township  35  S.,  R.  56  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  elevated  table 
land,  cut  by  innumerable  deep  canons  with  precipitous  bluffs.  In  the  bot- 
tom of  these  canons  is  considerable  water  for  stock.  The  land  is  not  suitable 
for  cultivation  or  irrigation.  Good  only  for  grazing.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Distance  from 
railroad,  eight  miles. 


Las  Animas  County 171 

Township  28  S.,  R.  57  W. — This  township  is  principally  mountainous.  It 
has  a  plentiful  supply  of  water  in  the  canons,  flowing  from  fine  springs  in 
the  outcropping  limestone  and  sandstone.  This  township  is  used  at  the  pres- 
ent time  for  grazing.  There  is  some  timber.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  An- 
nual rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Distance  from  railroad, 
six  miles. 

Township  29  S.,  R.  57  W. — This  township  is  principally  rough  lands  broken 
by  canons  with  table  lands  between,  furnishing  fair  pasture.  There  is  a 
scattering  growth  of  scrub  cedar  and  pinons.  Good  grazing.  Some  gypsum 
and  fire  clay  found  here.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  ranifall,  10  to 
15  inches.    Elevation,  5,000  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  ten  miles. 

Township  30  S.,  R.  57  W. — Most  of  this  township  is  extremely  rough  and 
broken  land  suitable  only  for  grazing.  A  small  proportion  of  the  township  is 
prairie  land.  It  is  crossed  diagonally  by  the  Picket  Wire  river.  Value,  $3.50 
to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Dis- 
tance from  railroad,  fifteen  miles. 

Township  31  S.,  R.  57  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rough  and 
broken  land  and  principally  suitable  for  grazing.  It  is  cut  by  canons  drain- 
ing into  the  Picket  Wire  river  along  which  are  narrow  valleys  suitable  for 
cultivating  grains.  The  soil  in  the  valleys  is  a  good  loam,  other  parts  adobe. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  5,000 
feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  eighteen  miles. 

Township  32  S.,  R.  57  W. — Most  of  this  township  is  rough  and  broken 
land,  cut  by  canons.  There  is  some  prairie  land  with  good  soil,  suitable  for 
wheat.  Tliere  is  enough  water  in  the  canons  to  irrigate  small  farms.  Value, 
$3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  5,500  feet. 
Distance  from  railroad,  sixteen  miles. 

Township  33  S.,  R.  57  W. — This  township  is  principally  prairie  land,  with 
very  little  timber.  There  is  no  running  water  but  a  few  springs.  It  is  prob- 
able that  this  township  could  be  successfully  cultivated  with  modern  dry 
farming  methods.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  ten  miles. 

Township  34  S.,  R.  57  W. — This  township  is  principally  rolling  prairie 
land.  There  is  no  running  water,  but  there  are  springs  along  Chaquaqua 
canon  in  the  eastern  portion,  also  in  sections  6,  7,  18,  19  and  30.  This  is  a 
good  cattle-raising  country.  At  the  present  time  it  is  used  for  sheep  raising. 
The  soil  is  adobe.  It  is  probable  that  it  could  be  successfully  cultivated  by 
modern  dry  farming  methods.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall, 
15  to  20  inches.    Elevation,  5,800  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  three  miles. 

Township  35  S.,  R.  57  W. — This  township  is  rough  and  mountainous  and 
contains  considerable  timber.  The  bottom  lands  are  susceptible  to  irrigation. 
The  uplands  are  on  a  high  mesa  between  ravines  and  afford  fair  grazing. 
There  is  very  little  surface  water.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 15  to  20  inches.    Elevation,  6,000  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  two  miles. 

Township  28  S.,  R.  58  W. — This  townhsip  is  rather  rough  and  broken.  There 
are  water  holes  in  the  canons  most  of  the  year.  Excellent  grazing  district 
with  plenty  of  scrub  timber.  Could  not  be  irrigated.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Distance  from  rail- 
road, three  miles. 

Township  29  S.,  R.  58  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling,  rough 
in  places,  with  some  canons  and  ravines.    There  is  some  fairly  good  land  with 


172 Las  Animas  County 

a  clay  loam,  covered  with  gramma  and  other  grasses.  Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,800  feet.  Distance  from 
railroad,  six  miles. 

Township  30  S.,  R.  58  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  generally  roll- 
ing. It  is  cut  by  canons  and  ravines.  It  is  rough  and  rocky  in  places.  This 
is  a  very  good  stock-raising  section.  Scattering  scrub  cedar  timber.  Not  much 
surface  water  excepting  in  the  Picket  Wire  river,  which  crosses  the  south- 
eastern corner.  There  are  indications  of  iron.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Adobe  soil.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Distance 
from  railroad,  twelve  miles. 

Township  31  S.,  R.  58  W. — This  township  is  principally  high  mesa  land, 
cut  diagonally  by  the  Picket  Wire  river.  It  is  used  at  the  present  time  for 
grazing  purposes.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.     Elevation,  5,000  feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  fifteen  miles. 

Township  32  S.,  R.  58  W. — A  portion  of  this  township  is  extremely  rough 
and  covered  with  timber.  The  northwest  corner  is  cut  by  deep  canons  of  the 
Picket  Wire  river  and  its  tributary  streams.  There  are  fine  valleys,  suitable 
for  farming,  especially  the  cultivation  of  grapes,  which  produce  abundantly. 
The  principal  industry  is  stock  raising.  There  is  some  open  rolling  land. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,000 
feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  fifteen  miles. 

Township  33  S.,  R.  58  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  principally  high 
rolling  prairie  lands.  There  is  some  scrub  pinon  and  cedar  timber.  Very  little 
stock  water.  A  considerable  area  of  this  township  could  probably  be  suc- 
cessfully farmed  by  modern  dry  farming  methods.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Distance  from 
railroad,  eight  miles. 

Township  34  S.,  R.  58  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  principally 
high  prairie.  There  is  no  running  water  but  plenty  of  large  springs,  furnish- 
ing water  for  stock.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20 
fnches.     Elevation,  5,800  feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  two  miles. 

Township  35  S.,  R.  58  W. — The  northern  portion  of  this  township  is  roll- 
ing prairie  land.  The  central,  rough  foothills,  and  the  southern  portion,  high 
mesas.  There  is  more  or  less  timber.  The  soil  is  loamy  and  produces  good 
grass.  There  are  some  arable  lands  in  the  valley.  The  township  is  crossed 
by  railroad.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Elevation,  6,000  feet. 

Township  28  S.,  R.  59  W. — This  township  is  a  good  grazing  section,  cov- 
ered with  gramma  and  bunch  grass.  Scrub  cedar  grows  here.  Not  recom- 
mended for  agricultural  purposes.  There  are  large  deposits  of  excellent  lime- 
stone. The  township  is  crossed  by  railroad.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  An- 
nual rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Elevation,  5,000  feet. 

Township  29  S.,  R.  59  W. — Some  portions  of  this  township  are  high, 
broken  mesas,  covered  with  native  grasses  and  a  scrub  growth  of  cedars  and 
pinons.  Loamy  soil;  no  surface  water  for  stock  or  irrigation.  Value,  $3.50  to 
$6  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Distance 
from  railroad,  two  miles. 

Township  30  S.,  R.  59  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  generally  roll- 
ing prairie  land,  in  places  inclining  to  be  hilly.  Fair  grazing.  No  surface 
water.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 5,200  feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  six  miles. 


Las  Animas  County 173 

Township  31  S.,  R.  59  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  principally 
rolling  prairie  land.  Fair  grazing.  Broken  and  hilly  in  the  northeast  corner. 
No  surface  water.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  ranfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  5,000  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  ten  miles. 

Township  32  S.,  R.  59  W. — This  township  is  crossed  by  the  Picket  Wire 
river,  which  runs  in  a  deep  canon.  The  bulk  of  the  township  is  high  mesa 
land  considerably  broken  and  cut  by  the  drainage.  Scattering  growth  of 
scrub  cedars  and  pinons.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15 
inches.    Elevation,  5,000  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  twelve  miles. 

Township  33  S.,  R.  59  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  mostly  rolling 
with  a  fair  quality  of  soil  along  the  bottom  lands  of  Trinchera  creek,  which 
crosses  the  township  north  and  south.  These  bottoms  are  first-class  agri- 
cultural lands.  Scattering  growth  of  scrub  cedars.  Fair  graizng  section. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $6  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  5,500 
feet.      Distance  from  railroad,  four  miles. 

Township  34  S.,  R.  59  W. — This  township  is  fairly  level  mesa  land,  with 
sandy  loam  soil.  The  southern  portion  is  in  the  foothills  and  covered  with 
oak  brush.  Not  much  surface  water.  It  would  not  be  possible  to  irrigate  this 
section  and  dry  farming  methods  have  not  been  tried  by  the  few  settlers 
here.  It  is  reasonable  to  suppose  that  they  would  be  successful  in  this  town- 
ship. Tliere  is  running  water  in  Trinchera  creek  and  some  of  its  tributaries. 
This  township  is  crossed  by  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 5,800  feet. 

Township  35  S.,  R.  59  W. — This  township  is  rough  and  broken,  lying  in 
the  foothills.  Fair  grazing.  Some  scrub  timber.  Crossed  by  railroad.  Value, 
$3.50  to  $5  per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Elevation,  6,000  feet. 

Township  26  S.,  R.  60  W.— See  Pueblo  county. 

Township  27  S.,  R.  60  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  generally  roll- 
ing prairie  land  adapted  to  stock  raising.  Scattered  scrub  pine  and  cedar 
timber.  No  surface  water  excepting  in  the  Apishapa  river,  which  crosses  the 
extreme  northwest  corner  of  the  township.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  three  miles.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5 
per  acre. 

Township  28  S.,  R.  60  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling  prairie 
land  with  a  scattered  growth  of  pinon  and  cedar  trees.  There  are  some 
deep  rocky  ravines  containing  water  holes.  There  are  several  springs,  the 
best  being  in  section  12.  Good  grazing  land  and  well  adapted  for  stock  rais- 
ing. Railroad  crosses  the  southwest  corner.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  An- 
nual rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  5,200  feet. 

Township  29  S.,  R.  60  W. — The  western  portion  of  this  township  is  high 
rolling  prairie;  the  rest  is  rough  hills  and  bluffs  covered  with  pinons  and 
cedars.  No  surface  water.  Crossed  diagonally  by  the  railroad.  Value,  $3.50 
to  $5  per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  5,500  feet. 

Township  30  S.,  R.  60  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rough  and 
rolling  prairie  land.  There  are  some  flowing  springs  and  scattering  groves 
of  timber.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  two  miles. 

Township  31  S.,  R.  60  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land.  Most  of 
this  township  is  good,  fairly  level  land.  Good  soil.  Some  of  it  might  be  irri- 
gated.   Other  portions  are  rough  mesa  lands,  badly  cut  by  arroyos,  with  poor 


174 Las  Animas  County 

adobe  soil.  Some  scattering  timber.  Value,  $3.50  to  $15  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  16  inches.  Elevation,  5,200  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  four 
miles. 

Township  32  S.,  R.  60  W.— The  surface  of  this  township  is  rather  rough 
and  broken.  It  is  traversed  by  numerous  ravines.  Some  land  is  fairly  level 
prairie  land  suitable  for  cultivation.  Value,  $3.50  to  $6  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  inches.    Elevation,  5,500  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  six  miles. 

Township  33  S.,  R.  60  W.— Partly  prairie  and  partly  mesa  land.  The 
Picket  Wire  river  crosses  the  northern  portion  of  this  township,  running 
most  of  the  way  through  deep  canons.  There  is  a  little  timber.  At  present 
there  is  no  farming  in  the  vicinity.  Good  grazing  land.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5 
per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Distance 
from  railroad,  two  miles. 

Township  34  S.,  R.  60  W.— Most  of  this  township  is  rough  and  hilly.  There 
are  good  valleys  along  the  creeks,  and  the  surface  outside  of  the  valleys  is 
level  in  places  also  and  could  probably  be  very  successfully  cultivated  by  mod- 
ern dry  farming  methods.  It  is  covered  with  a  good  growth  of  native  grasses. 
The  soil  is  a  clay  loam.  This  township  is  crossed  by  railroad.  Value,  $5  to 
$10  per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Elevation,  5,700  feet. 

Township  35  S.,  R.  60  W. — The  soil  in  this  township  is  very  good  although 
the  surface  is  somewhat  precipitous.  The  best  land  is  already  irrigated  and 
under  cultivation.  Much  of  the  township  is  rough  land.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per 
acre.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Elevation,  6,000  feet. 

Township  26  S.,  R.  61  W.— See  Pueblo  county. 

Township  27  S.,  R.  61  W. — This  township  is  crossed  diagonally  by  the 
Apishapa  river.  It  is  principally  high  rolling  table  lands,  rough  and  broken 
by  box  canons.  There  are  some  pine  and  cedar  trees.  In  the  open  range 
country  and  used  for  sheep  grazing  at  the  present  time.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5 
per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Distance 
from  railroad,  eight  miles. 

Township  28  S.,  R.  61  W.— This  township  is  crossed  north  and  south  by 
the  Apishapa  river.  The  surface  is  principally  rough  and  broken.  The  soil  is 
gravelly.  There  are  a  few  scrub  cedars.  No  surface  water  outside  of  the 
river.  Value,  $3  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation, 
5,300  feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  three  miles. 

Township  29  S.,  R.  61  W. — This  township  is  gently  rolling  prairie  land 
with  some  bluffs  and  rough  sections.  This  land  would  be  excellent  farming 
land  if  it  could  be  irrigated,  and  might  be  successfully  cultivated  by  dry 
farming  methods.  The  township  is  crossed  by  railroad.  Used  only  for  graz- 
ing at  the  present  time.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to 
15  inches.     Elevation,  5,500  feet. 

Township  30  S.,  R.  61  W.— The  surface  is  gently  rolling  prairie  land.  A 
light  clay  loam  soil.  It  is  probable  that  this  land  could  be  successfully  culti- 
vated by  modern  dry  farming  methods.  It  is  an  open  grazing  country  at 
the  present  time.  There  is  very  little  surface  water,  excepting  in  holes  along 
the  creeks.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  This  township  is  crossed  by  railroad. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,500  feet. 

Township  31  S.,  R.  61  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  comparatively 
level  prairie  land  with  a  medium  quality  clay  loam  soil.    The  railroad  crosses 


Las  Animas  County 175 

the  northwest  corner.    Value,  $3.50  to  $10  per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.     Elevation,  5,500  feet. 

Township  32  S.,  R.  61  W. — This  township  is  crossed  by  the  Picket  Wire 
river.  The  surface  is  rolling  and  broken  by  bluffs.  The  river  valleys  are 
being  farmed.  Value,  $3.50  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  inches.  Ele- 
vation, 5,500  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  two  miles. 

Township  33  S.,  R.  61  W. — The  surface  is  rolling,  hilly  prairie  land,  slop- 
ing gently  to  the  north.  The  soil  is  adobe.  The  creek  valleys  in  this  town- 
ship are  irrigated  and  the  best  land  is  taken  up.  Value  vacant  lands,  $3.50  to 
$7  per  acre.  The  southwest  corner  of  this  township  is  crossed  by  railroad. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Elevation,  5,500  feet. 

Township  34  S.,  R.  61  W. — The  southern  portion  of  this  township  is  rough 
and  hilly;  the  northern  and  eastern  portions  rolling.  There  are  small  strips  of 
agricultural  land  along  the  creeks.  The  rest  of  the  township  is  strictly  graz- 
ing lands.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  The  northeast  portion  of  this  township 
is  crossed  by  railroad.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Elevation,  6,000  feet. 

Township  35  S.,  R.  61  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  extremely 
rough  and  mountainous,  sloping  north  and  east  from  the  crest  of  Raton  mesa 
in  the  southwest  corner.  There  is  some  fine  timber  along  the  summit  of  this 
mesa.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 6,000  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  four  miles. 

Township  26  S.,  R.  62  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  generally 
rough,  hilly  land,  covered  with  scrub  cedars,  very  rocky  in  places.  Fit  only 
for  grazing  purposes.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.     Elevation,  5,500  feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  fifteen  miles. 

Township  27  S.,  R.  62  N. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land  with  a  scat- 
tering growth  of  cedars  and  pinons.  Adobe  soil.  Broken  by  deep  arroyos.  A 
fair  growth  of  gramma  grass.  Some  natural  springs.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  An- 
nual rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Distance  from  railroad, 
twelve   miles. 

Township  28  S.,  R.  62  W. — Prairie  land,  very  rough,  some  bluffs,  covered 
with  scrub  cedars.  Suitable  only  for  grazing  and  that  poor.  Value,  $3.50  per 
acre.  No  surface  water.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,500 
feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  seven  miles. 

Township  29  S.,  R.  62  W. — This  township  is  crossed  diagonally  by  the 
Apishapa  river.  Along  the  river  the  surface  is  generally  level  and  the  soil 
first-class.  The  rest  of  the  township  is  rolling  and  broken,  with  some  open 
prairie  land  in  the  southeast  corner,  south  of  the  river.  There  is  a  little  scrub 
timber.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 5,500  feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  five  miles. 

Township  30  S.,  R.  62  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  mostly  rolling 
prairie.  The  soil  is  of  medium  quality.  Fair  grazing  and  there  are  some  dry 
creeks  in  the  northern  portion.  No  surface  water,  except  in  the  Apishapa 
river,  which  crosses  the  extreme  northeast  corner.  Value,  5  to  $10  per  acre. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Distance  from  rail- 
road, three  miles. 

Township  31  S.,  R.  62  W. — The  surface  is  level  and  rolling  prairie  land 
with  adobe  soil.  Grass  is  of  excellent  quality.  This  township  is  crossed  by  a 
railroad.    Value,  $5  per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  15  inches.    Elevation,  5,500  feet. 


176 Las  Animas  County 

Township  32  S.,  R.  62  W. — Most  of  this  township  is  good  farming  land, 
in  the  valley  of  the  Picket  Wire  river.  Above  the  valley  is  rolling  prairie 
land,  too  high  to  be  irrigated.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  The  northeast  corner 
of  this  township  is  crossed  by  the  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  15  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 5,500  feet. 

Township  33  S.,  R.  62  W. — Most  of  the  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling 
mesa  land,  badly  broken.  There  is  some  timber.  Poor  grazing  and  poor  soil. 
Crossed  by  railroad.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20 
inches.    Elevation,  5,500  feet. 

Township  34  S.,  R.  62  W. — This  township  is  mostly  hilly.  There  are  some 
lands  under  cultivation  along  the  valleys.  The  northeast  portion  is  more 
level.  Very  little  timber.  Valuable  for  grazing.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Three  miles  from  rail- 
road. 

Township  27  S.,  R.  63  W. — See  Huerfano  county. 

Township  27  S.,  R.  63  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  principally 
rolling  prairie  land,  high  and  dry.  No  surface  water,  excepting  in  some  of 
the  large  springs.  Fair  grazing.  Value,  $6  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20 
inches.     Elevation,  6,000  feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  ten  miles. 

Township  28  S.,  R.  63  W. — This  township  is  principally  rolling  prairie 
land,  rough  in  places.  Covered  with  buffalo  and  gramma  grass  and  some 
cactus.  The  soil  is  clay  and  sand  mixed.  No  running  water,  but  can  be  found 
in  holes  in  the  ravines  during  some  seasons.  Some  scrub  cedars  and  brush 
in  places.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation, 
6,000  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  ten  miles. 

Township  29  S.,  R.  63  W. — This  township  is  principally  rough  prairie  land. 
No  living  water.  Good  growth  of  grass  and  some  scrub  pinons.  The  soil  is 
sandy.  Some  land  in  this  section  could  be  irrigated.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  An- 
nual rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Distance  from  railroad, 
six  miles. 

Township  30  S.,  R.  63  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling  prairie 
land.  It  is  crossed  by  the  Apishapa  river.  There  are  fine  level  lands  along 
the  river.  Some  portions  of  this  township  are  irrigated.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  5,800  feet.  Distance  from 
railroad,    five    miles. 

Township  31  S.,  R.  63  W. — This  township  is  mostly  open  prairie  land. 
Good  soil  and  good  grazing.  In  sections  7  and  18  is  a  mountain  called  "Black 
Hills."  The  rest  of  the  township  is  comparatively  level.  Value,  $5  to  $15 
per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  5,800  feet.  Distance 
from  railroad,  two  miles. 

Township  32  S.,  R.  63  W. — The  extreme  western  and  southern  portions 
of  this  township  are  rough;  the  rest  is  comparatively  level  prairie  land.  The 
township  is  crossed  by  three  railroads.  It  is  in  the  coal  mining  district. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation, 
5,800  feet. 

Township  27  S.,  R.  64  W. — See  Huerfano  county. 

Township  28  S.,  R.  64  W. — The  land  in  this  township  is  mostly  rolling 
prairie.  The  eastern  portion  is  somewhat  broken  and  there  is  a  little  timber. 
Good  soil.  Fair  grass  but  no  surface  water.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  20  inches.    Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  three  miles. 


Las  Animas  County 177 

Township  29  S.,  R.  64  W. — The  land  in  this  township  is  rough,  rolling 
prairie  land.  It  is  poor  grazing  land  and  there  is  no  stock  water.  Value, 
$3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  20  inches.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Dis- 
tance from  railroad,  one  mile. 

Township  30  S.,  R.  64  W. — Dry  farming  is  successful  in  this  district.  This 
township  is  prairie  land,  partly  rolling  and  broken  and  partly  level.  There 
is  a  little  scattering  timber.  The  soil  is  fairly  good.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre. 
This  township  is  crossed  by  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  20  inches.  Elevation, 
6,000  feet. 

Township  31  S.,  R.  64  W. — The  western  portion  is  rough.  Diagonally, 
from  the  northwest  to  the  southeast,  it  is  comparatively  level  and  slightly 
rolling.  The  soil  is  a  good  sandy  loam  in  this  section.  This  is  a  coal  mining 
district  and  the  township  is  crossed  by  several  ralroads.  Value  $3.50  to  $8 
per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  20  inches.    Elevation,  6,000  feet. 

Township  32  S.,  R.  64  W. — This  township  is  very  rough  and  hilly.  The 
vacant  lands  all  lie  in  the  hills  and  are  of  value  only  for  grazing.  There  are 
important  coal  mining  camps  in  this  township.  Several  railroads  cross  this 
township.  Value  of  the  vacant  lands  for  grazing  purposes,  $3.50  per  acre. 
Annual  rainfall,  20  inches.    Elevation,  6,500  feet. 

Township  33  S.,  R.  64  W. — The  city  of  Trinidad  lies  on  the  eastern  edge 
of  this  township.  The  vacant  lands  are  in  the  extreme  northwestern  corner 
and  are  rough  and  hilly,  lying  in  the  coal  belt.  Value  as  grazing  lands,  $3.50 
per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Crossed  by 
railroad. 

Township  34  S.,  R.  64  W. — This  township  is  all  rough  and  mountainous. 
It  is  covered  with  scrub  oak  and  small  pines.  Good  for  grazing  only.  Value, 
$3.50  per  acre.  There  are  coal  mines  in  section  1.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20 
inches.    Elevation,  6,500  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  two  miles. 

Township  29  S.,  R.  65  W. — See  Huerfano  county. 

Township  30  S.,  R.  65  W. — The  northeast  corner  of  this  township  is 
rough  prairie  land.  The  balance  rough  and  mountainous.  Used  principally  for 
coal  mining.  This  township  is  crossed  by  railroad.  The  vacant  lands  only 
suitable  for  stock  grazing.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre,  without  coal.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 20  to  25  inches.    Elevation,  6,500  feet. 

Township  31  S.,  R.  65  W. — The  only  vacant  lands  in  this  township  are  in 
the  rough,  mountainous  section.  There  is  plenty  of  water  here  and  good 
grazing.  Value  without  coal,  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches. 
Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Crossed  by  railroad. 

Township  32  S.,  R.  65  W. — This  township  is  rough  and  broken.  Poor 
grazing;  very  little  surface  water.  Not  suitable  for  cultivation.  Value,  $3.50 
per  acre.  Located  in  the  coal  belt.  Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 6,500  feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  six  miles. 

Township  33  S.,  R.  65  W. — This  township  is  rougli  and  mountainous.  It 
is  poor  for  grazing.  It  is  covered  with  sandstone  cliffs.  There  are  some 
stunted  pinons  and  cedars.  Located  in  the  coal  mining  district.  Value  of  sur- 
face for  grazing  purposes,  $3.50  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches. 
Elevation,  6,500  feet.     Crossed  by  railroad. 

Township  31  S.,  R.  66  W. — This  township  is  principally  mountainous.  The 
only  good  lands  are  along  the  valleys.  The  vacant  lands  are  only  of  vahie 


178 Las  Animas  County 

for  grazing  purposes.     Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25 
inches.     Elevation,  6,500  feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  six  miles. 

Township  32  S.,  R.  66  W. — This  township  is  rough  and  broken.  Some  tim- 
ber. Crops  can  be  raised  without  irrigation  by  ordinary  farming  methods. 
Fair  grazing.  Value,  $2.50  to  $6  per  acre.  Elevation,  7,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall, 
20  to  25  inches.    Distance  from  railroad,  five  miles. 

Township  33  S.,  R.  66  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rough  and 
mountainous.  There  are  isolated  portions  suitable  for  cultivation.  This  is  a 
good  grazing  country  with  some  timber.  Value,  $3.50  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.     Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Crossed  by  railroad. 

Township  34  S.,  R.  66  W, — This  township  is  mostly  rough,  mountainous 
country.  Some  timber.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20 
inches.    Elevation,  6,500  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  one  mile. 

Township  31  S.,  R.  67  W. — This  township  is  rough,  hilly  land,  lying  in  a 
dry  farming  district.  Fair  grazing.  There  are  streams  in  most  of  the  gulches. 
Some  timber.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  Anual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.  Elevation, 
7,500  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  twelve  miles. 

Township  32  S.,  R.  67  W.— The  surface  of  this  township  is  hilly  and  cov- 
ered with  quite  a  growth  of  cedar,  pine,  oak  and  hemlock.  This  township  is 
well  watered  by  small  streams.  There  are  good  patches  of  grazing  and  agri- 
cultural lands.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.  Elevation, 
7,500  feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  five  miles. 

Township  33  S.,  R.  67  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  mountainous 
with  patches  of  timber.  Good  grazing  in  the  bottom  along  the  streams.  Well 
watered.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  20  inches.  Elevation, 
6,500  feet.    Crossed  by  railroad. 

Township  31  S.,  R.  68  W.— The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling,  hilly 
land.  Black  soil.  Good  grazing.  There  are  a  few  pines  and  aspens.  This  town- 
ship is  probably  underlaid  with  coal.  Running  water  in  the  streams.  Value, 
$6  to  $7  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.  Elevation,  8,500  feet.  Dis- 
tance from  railroad,  fifteen  miles. 

Township  33  S.,  R.  68  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling,  hilly 
land.  Black  soil.  Good  grazing.  There  are  a  few  pines  and  aspens.  This 
township  is  probably  underlaid  with  coal.  Running  water  in  the  streams. 
Value,  $5  to  $7  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.  Elevation,  7,500 
feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  three  miles. 


LINCOLN    COUNTY 

HUGO  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  13,740  Acres. 

LAMAR  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  3,881  Acres. 

PUEBLO  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  141,972  Acres. 

Lincoln  county  is  located  in  the  Central  part  of  the  State.  The  surface 
is  principally  rolling  prairie  land.  While  this  is  a  very  large  county,  it  has 
only  a  nominal  population  of  6,000.  The  population  of  Hugo,  the  county 
seat,  being  500,  and  the  population  of  Limon,  its  principal  town,  about  1,000. 
For  many  years  Lincoln  county  has  been  a  great  stock  raising  country. 
Many  of  the  early  settlers  have  made  big  fortunes  raising  cattle.  Of  recent 
years,  however,  it  has  been  demonstrated  that  the  soil  in  a  large  portion  of 
the  county  was  suitable  for  cultivation  and  the  settlers  have  become  very 
prosperous  in  this  section. 

While  there  is  not  a  large  amount  of  vacant  land  in  Lincoln  county,  a 
great  deal  of  the  land  which  is  now  being  used  for  pasturage,  could  be  pur- 
chased at  a  reasonable  price  and  is  good  farm  land. 

Most  of  Lincoln  county  is  in  the  Hugo  land  district,  but  that  portion  of 
the  county  is  very  nearly  all  taken  up.  In  the  southwestern  portion  there  is 
still  considerable  vacant  land  in  the  Pueblo  district. 

The  approximate  value  per  year  of  the  agricultural  products  is  as  fol- 
lows: 

Wheat  and  grains $300,000.00 

Hay 125,000.00 

Vegetables  and  other  crops 50,000.00 

HUGO  LAND  DISTRICT. 

Township  6  S.,  R.  52  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  with  considerable  rough 
land.  The  soil  is  principally  a  good,  hard  sandy  loam;  and  is  covered  with 
buffalo  and  bunch  grass.  This  is  a  fine  grazing  district.  Along  the  Arickaree 
river  and  gulch  bottoms  there  is  surface  water  in  holes  although  no  running 
water.  Elevation,  4,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  inches.  Located  twelve 
miles  from  a  railroad.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  7  S.,  R.  52  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land.  Some  por- 
tions are  excellent  for  cultivation.  The  soil  is  sandy  loam  of  a  medium  qual- 
ity and  is  naturally  covered  with  plenty  of  bunch  and  buffalo  grass.  There 
is  no  surface  water.  Located  six  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  5,000  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  8  S.,  R.  52  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie.  This  is  within 
the  dry  farming  district.  The  soil  is  good,  ranging  from  a  clay  to  sandy  loam 
and  is  covered  with  buffalo  and  bunch  grass.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Located  one  mile  from  a  railroad.  Value,  $5  to 
$10  per  acre. 

Township  9  S.,  R.  52  W. — The  surface  is  generally  level,  but  slightly 
rolling  in  places;  it  is  covered  with  buffalo  and  bunch  grass  in  considerable 
quantities.    The  soil  varies  from  a  clay  to  a  sandy  loam.    There  is  no  surface 


180  Lincoln  County 


water.     Elevation,  5,000  feet.     Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.     A  railroad 
crosses  the  northern  boundary.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  10  S.,  R.  52  W. — This  township  consists  of  prairie  land.  The 
surface  is  rather  broken,  but  some  portions  are  fine  and  smooth.  Surface 
water  can  be  found  in  pools  in  the  gulches;  there  is  no  running  water.  There 
are  numerous  fossils  of  extinct  mammals  found  in  this  township.  A  good 
stand  of  buffalo  and  bunch  grass  is  in  evidence  throughout  the  district.  Well 
water  can  be  obtained  at  a  depth  of  from  15  to  40  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15 
to  20  inches.  Value,  $5  to  $12  per  acre.  Located  five  miles  from  a  railroad. 
Elevation,  5,000  feet. 

Township  11  S.,  R.  52  W. — The  surface  is  prairie  land  and  in  general  is 
level;  the  northern  portion  is  rough  and  broken.  In  the  southern  portion  the 
soil  is  quite  sandy.  There  is  no  surface  water;  wells  have  to  be  dug  quite 
deep.  This  district  is  best  suited  for  grazing.  Located  five  miles  from  a 
railroad.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $5 
to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  12  S.,  R.  52  W.— The  surface  is  rolling,  prairie  land  with  a  light 
sandy  soil,  covered  with  plenty  of  good  buffalo  and  bunch  grass.  There  is  no 
surface  water.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  A 
railroad  crosses  the  southwestern  corner  of  the  township.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per 
acre. 

Township  13  S.,  R.  52  W.— The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land,  broken  by 
ravines.  This  township  is  crossed  by  a  railroad  and  Big  Sandy  creek.  This 
creek  is  dry,  with  the  exception  of  a  few  water  holes.  The  soil  is  sandy  and 
adobe,  and  of  poor  quality.  The  grazing  is  only  fair.  Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  4,800  feet. 

Township  14  S.,  R.  52  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land.  This  is  a 
dry  farming  district.  The  soil  is  sandy  and  of  poor  quality.  There  is  no 
surface  water  excepting  along  Big  Sandy  creek,  which  crosses  the  northeastern 
corner.  Elevation,  4,800  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $5  to 
$10  per  acre.   The  northeastern  corner  of  this  township  is  crossed  by  a  railroad. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  52  W. — The  surface  is  gently  rolling  in  the  northern 
portion  with  hills  and  bluffs  becoming  gradually  higli  in  the  southern  por- 
tion, until  they  break  away  into  the  bottom  lands  along  Rush  creek  at  the 
southern  boundary  of  the  township.  This  district  is  well  adapted  to  stock 
raising,  although  there  are  some  good  hay  ranches  and  some  farms  through- 
out. There  is  water  in  Rush  creek  and  also  a  lake  in  section  15,  covering 
twenty  acres.  The  soil  is  generally  sandy  and  of  very  fair  quality.  Located 
five  miles  from  a  railroad.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.    Elevation,  4,600  feet. 

Township  6  S.,  R.  53  W. — This  township  lies  in  the  open  prairies  and  is 
within  the  dry  farming  district.  The  soil  is  sandy  and  of  good  quality.  There 
is  no  running  water  in  the  township,  but  in  the  gulches  and  ravines  there  are 
springs  and  water  holes.  The  soil  produces  excellent  crops,  if  irrigated,  and 
very  good  crops  are  raised  in  favorable  seasons  without  irrigation.  Located 
twelve  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15 
inches.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  7  S.,  R.  53  W. — This  is  in  the  open  prairies  and  within  the  dry 
farming  district.  The  surface  is  gently  rolling.  The  soil  varies  from  a  good, 
hard  soil  to  a  light,  sandy  loam.  There  is  but  little  surface  water  in  the 
township,  although  in  the  Arickaree  river  and  its  tributaries  water  can  be 
found  in  holes.  Annual  rainfall,  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Located 
seven  miles  from  a  railroad.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 


Lincoln  County  181 


Township  8  S.,  R.  53  W. — The  surface  is  gently  rolling  prairie  land.  Tlie 
soil  is  a  sandy  loam  of  medium  quality  and  suitable  to  dry  farming.  This 
is  a  good  grazing  district.  Located  one  mile  from  a  railroad.  Elevation, 
5,000  leet.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Value,  $5  to  $12  per  acre. 

Township  9  S.,  R.  53  W. — The  surface  is  level  prairie  land.  This  town- 
ship is  within  the  dry  farming  district.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam  capable  of 
producing  any  variety  of  cereals,  and  is  naturally  covered  with  buffalo  and 
bunch  grass.  A  railroad  crosses  the  northern  portion.  Elevation,  5,000  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  10  S.,  R.  53  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land.  The  soil 
varies  from  an  adobe  to  a  sandy  loam.  There  is  more  water  in  this  township 
than  is  common  in  this  section;  the  gulches  and  ravines  all  carry  running 
water.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Located  five 
five  miles  from  a  railroad.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Eleavtion,  4,600  feet, 
miles  from  a  railroad.     Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  11  S.,  R.  53  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land.  The  soil  is 
rather  light,  varying  from  a  sandy  to  adobe  loam  and  is  covered  with  a 
natural  vegetation  of  bunch  and  buffalo  grass.  This  is  a  good  grazing  dis- 
trict. There  are  some  natural  hay  lands.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  The  railroad  and  Big  Sandy  creek  cross  the  south- 
western corner.     Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  12  S.,  R.  53  W. — The  northern  half  of  this  township  is  rolling 
wliile  the  southern  half  is  slightly  rolling.  The  soil  is  partially  sandy  and 
partly  adobe.  Big  Cedar  creek  crosses  the  township  and  is  dry  most  of  the 
year.  This  district  is  crossed  by  railroad.  Elevation,  4,900  feet.  Value,  $5 
ito  $10  per  acre. 

Township  13  S.,  R.  53  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land  with  a 
sandy  soil  and  some  sand  hills.  Grazing  is  below  the  average  in  this  section. 
Elevation,  4,900  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  A  railroad  touches  a 
corner  of  this  township.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  14  S.,  R.  53  W. — Along  Rush  creek  and  north  of  the  creek  there 
arc  fine  bottoms  of  firstrate  land,  that  near  the  creek  being  natural  meadows. 
In  some  portions  of  the  township  the  growth  of  cactus  is  so  heavy  that  it 
kills  the  grass.  The  soil  is  partially  adobe  and  partially  sandy.  Elevation, 
4,800  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Located  four  miles  from  a  rail- 
road.   Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  53  W. — The  surface  is  prairie  land,  crossed  by  Rush 
creek  and  its  tributaries.  This  creek  is  dry  at  certain  seasons  of  the  year; 
altliough  there  is  water  in  pools  and  sometimes  running  a  short  distance. 
The  seepage  under  the  sands  subirrigate  the  natural  meadows  which  border 
the  creek.  The  rest  of  the  township  is  naturally  covered  with  a  good  growtli 
of  grasses,  making  this  section  especially  adapted  to  grazing  purposes.  Thi' 
soil  is  partially  sandy  and  partially  adobe.  Elevation,  4,800  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Located  ten  miles  from  a  railroad.  Value,  $5  to 
$10  per  acre. 

Township  6  S.,  R.  54  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  prairie  land 
and  is  well  adapted  to  grazing  purposes  on  account  of  the  splendid  growth 
of  buffalo  and  bunch  grass.  The  soil  is  a  fair  quality  of  sandy  loam,  con- 
siderable of  it  being  suitable  to  cultivation.  The  gulches,  ravines  and  creeks 
have  water  standing  in  holes,  with  many  springs  along  their  banks.  There 
is  no  surface  water  excepting  in  the  spring  when  the  snows  melt.     Located 


182  LiNcx)LN  County 


thirteen  miles  from  a  railroad.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Elevation, 
5,000  feet.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  7  S.,  R.  54  W. — There  is  plenty  of  land  here  well  adapted  to 
grazing  purposes.  A  good  deal  of  this  township  could  be  readily  irrigated. 
The  surface  is  gently  undulating  and  the  drainage  is  good.  The  soil  is  gen- 
erally a  sandy  loam  of  medium  quality,  although  on  the  North  fork  of  the 
Aricicaree  river  it  is  better.  Located  seven  miles  from  a  railroad.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  5,000  feet.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  8  S.,  R.  54  W. — The  surface  is  gently  rolling  to  level  prairies, 
crossed  by  two  creeks,  one  dry  and  the  other  containing  water  in  holes.  A 
portion  of  this  township  is  suitable  for  dry  farming,  having  good  hard  soil. 
Located  one  mile  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall, 
15  inches.     Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  9  S.,  R.  54  W. — The  western  portion  is  level  with  a  sandy  loam 
soil;  the  southern  portion  is  rolling  and  broken  with  a  sandy  soil.  There  is 
good  grass  and  plenty  of  water  in  all  of  the  ravines,  and  a  few  cottonwoods 
bordering  the  streams.  The  principal  industry  is  grazing;  there  is  some  dry 
farming.  Value,  $5  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 5,200  feet.     This  township  is  crossed  by  railroad. 

Township  10  S.,  R.  54  W. — In  the  southern  portion  the  soil  is  sandy;  the 
soil  in  the  northern  portion  is  a  sandy  loam.  There  is  good  grazing.  Plenty 
of  water  is  found  in  the  ravines  in  holes  and  springs.  Hugo,  the  county  seat 
and  office  of  this  district,  is  located  in  the  southwestern  corner  of  this  town- 
ship, where  the  railroad  crosses  it.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall, 
15  to  20  inches.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  11  S.,  R.  54  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  prairie  land, 
partially  level  and  partially  rolling;  some  portions  are  sand  hills,  covered 
with  bunch  and  buflFalo  grass.  Very  little  water  to  be  found  here.  The  graz- 
ing is  medium.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  This 
township  is  crossed  by  a  railroad.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  12  S.,  R.  54  W. — The  surface  is  gently  rolling  prairie  land, 
intersperced  with  a  few  small  ravines.  The  soil  is  light  and  sandy  loam,  and 
in  some  places  clear  sand.  There  is  no  timber  in  this  township  and  little 
water.  Within  the  dry  farming  district.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 15  to  20  inches.  Located  two  miles  from  a  railroad.  Value,  $5  to  $10 
per  acre. 

Township  13  S.,  R.  54  W. — In  the  western  portion  of  this  township  the 
surface  is  rolling;  in  the  central  portion  hilly,  with  small  ravines;  in  the 
eastern  portion  it  is  level,  sandy  plain.  The  soil  is  generally  very  sandy. 
There  is  no  surface  water.  Elevation.  5,000  feet.  Located  five  miles  from  a 
railroad.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  14  S.,  R.  54  W.— A  high,  rolling  prairie  land,  with  sandy,  second 
rate  soil,  covered  with  a  heavy  growth  of  bunch  and  buffalo  grass.  This  town- 
ship is  fairly  well  watered  in  the  western  and  southwestern  portion  by  the 
two  forks  of  Rush  Creek.  There  is  fine  hay  lands  in  the  bottoms  along  these 
creeks.  This  is  a  good  stock  raising  district.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Located  ten  miles  from  a 
railroad. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  54  W. — The  surface  is  gently  rolling  prairie  land, 
covered  with  a  sandy  loam.    There  is  a  fine  growth  of  buffalo  and  bunch  grass. 


Lincoln  County  183 


This  district  is  well  adapted  to  stock  raising;  there  is  some  hay  cut  in  the 
ravines.  Located  twelve  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  6  S.,  R.  55  W. — This  is  an  excellent  grazing  country.  The  north 
fork  of  the  Arickaree  river,  while  it  does  not  have  running  water  all  year 
round,  has  pools  of  standing  water  most  of  the  time.  The  soil  is  very  rich  and 
deep,  being  well  adapted  to  the  raising  of  cereals.  The  surface  is  generally 
level  prairie  land,  slightly  rolling  in  places.  Located  seven  miles  from  a  rail- 
road. Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $5  to  $10 
per  acre. 

Township  8  S.,  R.  55  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land  and  is  covered 
with  good  grass,  affording  excellent  pasturage.  The  creeks  running  through 
this  township  are  drv  most  of  the  year  and  have  water  holes.  Some  portions 
are  adapted  to  dry  farming,  others  are  suitable  only  for  grazing.  Elevation, 
5,500  feet.  Located  two  miles  from  a  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  9  S.,  R.  55  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  lands,  covered  with 
good  grass.  There  is  a  little  surface  water  in  the  ravines.  The  soil  is  prin- 
cipally adobe.  This  township  is  crossed  by  a  railroad.  Elevation,  5,500  feet. 
Value  $5  to  $10  per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  10  S.,  R.  55  W. — The  surface  is  high,  rolling  prairie  lands,  with 
some  good  bottom  lands  along  Big  Sandy  creek,  which  flows  through  the  town- 
ship and  furnishes  water  for  stock  in  many  places.  This  district  is  devoid  of 
timber.  South  of  the  creek  the  soil  is  sandy;  on  the  north  side  it  is  a  clay 
loam.  Elevation,  5,300  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  inches.  Value,  $5  to  $10 
per  acre. 

Township  11  S.,  R.  55  W. — The  surface  is  prairie  land,  with  a  sandy  loam 
soil.  Part  of  this  township  is  a  good  dry  farming  land.  Elevation,  5,300  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Located  two  miles  from  a  railroad.  Value, 
$5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  12  S.,  R.  55  W..  .The  surface  is  prairie  land;  the  soil  is  a  light, 
sandy  loam,  well  covered  with  bunch  and  buffalo  grass ;  considerable  loco  weed 
also.  A  little  water  is  found  in  holes  along  the  ravines.  This  is  a  dry  farming 
district.  Located  eight  miles  from  a  railroad.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Ele- 
vation, 5,200  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 

Township  13  S.,  R.  55  W. — This  township  consists  principally  of  prairie 
land.  The  surface  is  gentle  rolling  and  the  soil  a  sandy  loam,  being  well 
covered  with  bunch  and  buffalo  grass.  There  is  surface  water  along  Rush 
creek.  This  is  a  good  stock  raising  and  agricultural  district.  Located  ten 
miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  14  S.,  R,  55  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  consists  of  prairie 
land,  gently  rolling  in  character,  the  western  half  being  nearly  level.  The  soil 
is  a  sandy  medium  grade,  covered  with  a  good  growth  of  bunch  and  buffalo 
grass.  There  are  good  hay  lands  along  Rush  creek  and  along  the  ravine  in  the 
southern  part  of  the  township.  Plenty  of  water  in  Rush  creek,  although  it 
does  not  run  steady  on  account  of  the  sandy  soil,  but  rises  and  sinks.  There  is 
very  little  farming  in  this  locality.  Elevation,  5,000  feet  Annual  rainfall, 
10  to  15  inches.  Located  fifteen  miles  from  a  railroad.  Value,  $5  to  $10 
per  acre. 


184  Lincoln  County 


Township  15  S.,  R.  55  W. — This  is  high,  rolling  prairie  land,  much  cut  up 
by  arroyos  and  dry  ravines.  There  is  a  fair  growth  of  bunch  and  buffalo  grass 
in  evidence  here,  but  very  little  water.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam.  Elevation, 
5,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Located  fifteen  miles  from  a 
railroad.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  6  S.,  R.  56  W. — This  township  is  well  adapted  to  grazing,  as 
buffalo  and  gramma  grass  is  found  in  abundance.  The  surface  is  generally 
rolling;  some  places  are  quite  broken.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam  of  medium 
quality.  There  are  some  scattering  cedars  and  pine  trees  in  the  gulches  and 
ravines.  There  is  very  little  water  excepting  in  the  winter  and  spring  months. 
This  is  a  dry  farming  district,  generally  producing  good  crops.  Elevation,  5,500 
feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Located  ten 
miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  7  S.,  R.  56  W. — The  surface  is  gently  rolling,  prairie  land;  a 
considerable  portion  is  level.  There  is  very  little  water  excepting  during  the 
spring  months.  The  soil  is  generally  sandy  and  of  medium  quality.  Located 
nine  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  8  S.,  R.  56  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land  with  bluffs 
150  to  175  feet  high  running  through  the  eastern  and  northern  tiers  of  sec- 
tions. There  is  hardly  any  water  in  this  township.  The  land  is  only  suitable 
for  grazing;  the  grass  is  rather  poor  quality.  Located  three  miles  from  i 
railroad.  Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10 
to  15  inches. 

Township  9  S.,  R.  56  W. — The  surface  is  rolling,  prairie  land ;  there  is  good 
grass  throughout  and  fine  lands  along  the  bottoms  of  Big  Sandy,  along  whicli 
water  can  be  readily  obtained  by  digging.  Limon,  the  largest  town,  a  railroad 
junction,  is  located  in  this  township.  Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall, 
10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $10  to  $15  per  acre. 

Township  10  S.,  R.  56  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land,  broken  by 
some  ravines.  There  is  very  little  surface  water.  This  is  a  good  grazfng  and 
dry  farming  township.  The  surface  is  naturally  covered  with  a  good  growth 
of  buffalo  grass.  Value,  $6  to  $12  per  acre.  The  railroad  and  Big  Sandy  creek 
cross  the  nortlieastern  corner.  Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to 
15  inches. 

Township  11  S.,  R.  56  W. — High,  rolling  prairie  land  cut  by  ravines.  The 
soil  is  good,  and  covered  with  buffalo  and  bunch  grass.  This  is  within  the  suc- 
cessful dry  farming  district.  Value,  $6  to  $12  per  acre.  Elevation,  5,500  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Located  five  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  12  S.,  R.  56  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land,  almost  hilly 
in  the  eastern  and  central  portions.  The  soil  is  rather  sandy  and  of  a  medium 
quality,  and  is  covered  with  a  good  growth  of  buffalo  and  bunch  grass.  This 
township  is  well  watered  by  ravines  and  branches  of  Rush  creek.  There  is 
isome  good  natural  meadow  land  along  the  bottoms  of  the  creek.  Located  ten 
miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Value,  $6  to  $12  per  aere. 

Township  13  S.,  R.  56  W. — The  surface  is  high,  rolling  prairie  land  and  is 
within  tlie  dry  farming  district.  The  soil  is  sandy.  Water  can  be  found  in 
the  creeks  after  rains.  There  is  plenty  of  water  just  below  the  surface  of 
Riisli  creek,  which  would  be  available  by  pumping.  Located  fifteen  miles  from 
a  railroad.  Elevation,  5,200  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $5 
to  $10  per  acre. 


Lincoln  County  185 


Township  14  S.,  R.  56  W. — This  township  consists  of  high,  rolling  prairie 
land,  containing  very  sandy  soil  covered  with  a  heavy  growth  of  soapweed, 
loco  and  sand  grass.  This  is  not  good  agricultural  land.  There  is  very  little 
surface  water.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Lo- 
cated eight  miles  from  a  railroad.    Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  56  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling,  but  de- 
void of  hills,  excepting  along  Horse  creek.  This  is  principally  prairie  land  and 
is  fit  only  for  grazing.  There  is  some  cottonwood  timber  along  the  streams. 
Some  portions  of  the  township  are  fairly  level  land  with  a  sandy  loam  soil, 
which  might  be  irrigated  by  pumping.  Value,  $8  to  $10  per  acre.  Elevation, 
5,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Located  twenty  miles  from  a 
railroad. 

LAMAR  LAND  DISTRICT. 

Township  16  S.,  R.  52  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling  prairie 
land;  the  northern  portion  is  watered  by  Rush  creek.  The  soil  is  generally 
sandy.  There  is  good  grazing  in  some  portions.  The  vegetation  in  general  is 
bunch,  buffalo  and  sand  grass;  along  the  southwestern  portion  only  buffalo 
grass  abounds.  There  are  scattering  willows  and  cottonwoods  along  Rush 
creek.  Elevation,  4,600  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $4  to 
$8  per  acre.     Located  ten  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  17  S.,  R.  52  W. — This  township  is  rolling  in  character.  The  soil 
is  of  fair  quality.  This  is  a  good  farming  and  grazing  district.  There  is  no 
surface  water.  Elevation,  4,500  feet.  Annual  rainfal,  10  to  15  inches.  Value, 
$5  to  $10  per  acre.    Located  five  miles  from  a  railroad. 

PUEBLO  LAND  DISTRICT. 

Township  16  S.,  R.  53  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  in  some  portions,  the 
soil  is  good  with  splendid  natural  grasses;  other  portions,  rough  and  sandy  and 
of  little  value  except  for  grazing  purposes.  There  is  no  surface  water.  Value, 
$5  to  $8  per  acre.  Fourteen  miles  from  railroad.  Elevation,  4,800  feet.  An- 
nual rainfal],  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  17  S.,  R.  53  W. — The  surface  is  principally  rolling  prairie  land. 
There  is  a  little  surface  water.  Good  growth  of  grass.  Soil,  gravelly,  Value, 
$5  to  $8  per  acre.  Six  miles  from  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  4,500  feet. 

Township  16  S.,  R.  54  W. — This  township  is  rolling  prairie  land.  Part  of 
the  soil  is  clay  and  part  sandy.  There  is  quite  a  growth  of  bunch  and  buffalo 
grass,  with  some  gramma  grass.  Portions  of  this  township  are  suitable  for 
cultivation.  Watered  by  Adobe  creek.  There  are  some  natural  hay  lands  along 
the  creek.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Fifteen  miles  from  railroad.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Elevation,  4,800  feet. 

Township  17  S.,  R.  54  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  generally  roll- 
ing. It  is  well  watered  by  Adobe  creek  and  numerous  springs.  The  soil  is 
clay  in  some  portions,  and  sandy  in  others.  Covered  with  bunch  and  buffalo 
grass.  There  is  some  blue  grass.  Hay  lands  along  the  bottoms.  Value,  $5  to 
$10  per  acre.  Twenty  miles  from  a  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  4,500  feet. 

Township  16  S.,  R.  55  W. — The  surface  is  generally  rolling  prairie  land. 
Good  grazing.  Poor  soil.  Water  in  holes  and  ravines  in  eastern  portion. 
Parts  of  this  township  are  rough  and  hilly  and  suited  only  to  grazing.  Value, 
$3.50  to  $6  per  acre.  Twenty  miles  from  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.    Elevation,  5,000  feet. 


186  Lincoln  County 


Township  17  S.,  R.  55  W. — The  surface  is  high,  rolling  prairie  land.  This 
country  is  used  principally  for  stock  grazing.  Good  range,  but  very  little  sur- 
face water.  Value,  $5  to  $7  per  acre.  Twenty  miles  from  railroad.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  5,000  feet. 

Township  16  S.,  R.  56  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land,  naturally 
covered  with  good  growth  of  buffalo  grass.  Water  in  places  along  Horse  creek, 
with  here  and  there  small  groves  of  cottonwoods.  The  soil  is  partially  adobe 
and  partially  sandy  loam.  Some  fine  land  in  this  township  suitable  for  culti- 
vation. In  portions,  water  will  be  found  at  a  depth  of  from  10  to  12  feet. 
Value,  $5  to  $12  per  acre.  Twenty-six  miles  from  railroad.  Annual  rainfall, 
10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  5,000  feet. 

Township  17  S.,  R.  56  W. — This  is  comparatively  level  prairie  land,  slight- 
ly broken  in  places.  Good  grazing  land.  Plenty  of  good  water  in  holes  along 
Horse  creek.  Some  natural  hay  lands.  Considerable  of  the  land  is  suitable  for 
farming.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Twenty  miles  from  railroad.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Elevation,  4,800  feet. 

Township  14  S.,  R.  57  W. — The  surface  is  rolling,  sandy  prairie,  and  in 
portions  quite  high,  with  some  hills.  The  soil,  generally  speaking,  is  second 
or  third  rate.  Fair  grass  and  water  enough  for  stock  raising.  Value,  $5  to  $8 
per  acre.  Twenty-five  miles  from  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  5,400  feet. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  57  W. — The  surface  is  a  rolling  prairie,  hilly  in  por- 
tions. The  soil  is  generally  light  and  sandy,  of  a  second  and  third  rate  quality. 
There  is  a  little  bunch  and  bufl'alo  grass.  Sufficient  water  for  stock  raising. 
Some  bottom  lands  along  Horse  creek.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Thirty  miles 
from  railroad.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  5,000  feet. 

Township  16  S.,  R.  57  W. — The  surface  is  generally  rolling  prairie,  with 
some  hills.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam  and  is  second  and  third  rate  in  quality. 
There  is  considerable  bufl'alo  and  sand  grass.  Plenty  of  water  for  stock  rais- 
ing. Some  cottonwoods  along  the  streams.  Used  for  sheep  raising.  Value, 
$5  to  $8  per  acre.  Thirty  miles  from  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.    Elevation,  5,000  feet. 

Township  17  S.,  R.  57  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  and  level  prairie  land. 
This  township  is  mostly  arid.  Fair  bufl'alo  grass.  Very  little  surface  water. 
No  farming  at  present  in  this  vicinity.  Grazing  only.  Value,  $3.50  to  $6  per 
acre.  Twenty-one  miles  from  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  5,000  feet. 

Township  14  S.,  R.  58  W. — This  is  high,  rolling  prairie  land.  Sandy  soil. 
During  some  seasons  there  is  water  in  Little  Horse  creek,  otherwise  no  sur- 
face water.  Used  at  the  present  time  as  sheep  pasture.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per 
acre.  Twenty-two  miles  from  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  5,500  feet. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  58  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land,  with  some 
bottom  lands  along  Little  Horse  creek.  Plenty  of  water  for  stock.  Used 
principally  for  sheep  grazing  at  the  present  time.  Good  growth  of  grass. 
value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre.  Thirty  miles  from  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  10 
to  16  inches.    Elevation,  5,400  feet. 

Township  16  S.,  R.  58  W. — The  surface  is  gently  rolling  prairie  land,  with 
some  sand  hills  in  the  eastern  portion.  The  soil  varies  from  first  to  third 
rate.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Thirty  miles  from  railroad.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  5,000  feet. 


Lincoln  County  187 


Township  17  S.,  R.  58  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land,  hilly  in 
places.  The  soil,  generally  sandy,  and  not  suitable  for  farming.  There  is 
some  running  water  in  this  township.  A  heavy  growth  of  buffalo  grass  and 
sage  brush.  Value,  $3.50  to  $7  per  acre.  Twenty-four  miles  from  a  railroad. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Elevation,  5,000  feet. 

Township  16  S.,  R.  59  W. — The  surface  is  high,  rolling  prairie.  The  soil 
in  general  is  good  adobe  soil.  A  good  growth  of  gramma  grass.  There  is  no 
surface  water.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Thirty  miles  from  railroad.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Elevation,  5,500  feet. 

Township  17  S.,  R.  59  W. — The  quality  of  the  land  in  this  township  is 
below  average  for  this  section;  principally  composed  of  sand  hills.  There  are 
some  valleys,  which  are  a  great  deal  better,  having  a  sandy  loam  soil,  afford- 
ing good  grazing.  No  wood  or  surface  water.  Value,  $3.50  to  $10  per  acre. 
Elevation,  5,000  feet.     Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 


LOGAN   COUNTY 

STERLING  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  65,145  Acres. 

Logan  county  is  located  in  the  northeastern  portion  of  Colorado,  and  is 
cut  diagonally  by  the  valley  of  the  South  Platte,  along  which  are  fertile,  ir- 
rigated farms.  Logan  county  is  a  very  prosperous  and  porductive  section. 
Sterling,  with  a  population  of  3,500,  is  the  county  seat  and  the  commercial 
center.    The  population  of  the  entire  county  is  approximately  10,000. 

The  approximate  value  per  year  of  the  agricultural  products  is  as  follows: 

Grains    $500,000.00 

Hay  400,000.00 

Fruits   and  vegetables    7,500.00 

Sugar  beets    350,000.00 

Farming  without  irrigation  is  successfully  carried  on  in  this  county. 

Townhsip  10  N.,  R.  48  W. — The  surface  of  the  southern  portion  of  this 
township,  in  wliich  the  vacant  lands  are  located,  is  partially  rolling  prairie 
land  and  partially  hilly.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam.  There  is  no  surface  water 
excepting  in  the  Platte  river,  which  runs  through  the  northern  portion.  Cov- 
ered with  a  natural  growth  of  good  grass.  This  land  furnishes  good  grazing. 
Value,  $10  to  $20  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  3,800 
feet.    Railroad  runs  across  the  northwest  corner  of  this  township. 

Township  9  N.,  R.  49  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land.  The  soil  is 
a  sandy  loam  covered  with  a  fair  growtli  of  natural  grasses.  No  running 
water.  Farming  is  carried  on  in  this  township.  It  is  a  good  corn  district.  An- 
nual rainfall,  12  to  18  inches.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Value,  $12  to  $15  per  acre. 
Three  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  49  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land.  The  soil  is 
a  sandy  loam.  There  is  good  natural  grass.  Water  can  be  found  in  holes  and 
ravines.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Situated 
one  mile  from  railroad.    Value,  $5  to  $18  per  acre. 

Township  9  N.,  R.  50  W. — This  township  is  crossed  in  the  northwestern 
corner  by  the  Platte  river  and  Union  Pacific  railroad.  The  surface,  outside  of 
the  river  bottom,  which  has  all  been  taken  up,  is  rolling  and  hilly.  The  soil 
is  generally  sandy,  covered  with  a  good  growth  of  grass.  Value,  $8  to  $15 
per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,000  feet. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  50  W. — The  surface  is  gently  rolling.  Good  natural 
grass.  Some  of  this  is  suitable  for  hay  land.  The  soil  varies.  Some  of  it  is 
sandy  and  some  is  good  clay  loam.  Value,  $10  to  $15  per  acre.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Four  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  6  N.,  R,  51  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land.  The  soil  is 
sandy.  There  is  no  surface  water.  This  land  is  very  good  for  grazing  pur- 
poses but  not  suitable  for  farming.  Annual  rainfall,  12  to  18  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 4,100  feet.  Value,  $8  to  $12  per  acre.  Nine  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  7  N.,  R.  51  W. — The  surface  is  hilly  and  rolling  and  covered 
with  a  good  quality  of  bunch  and  buffalo  grass.  No  surface  water.  Annual 
rainfall,  12  to  18  inches.  Elevation,  4,100  feet.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 
Three   miles   from   railroad. 


Logan  County  189 


Township  8  N.,  R.  51  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land.  The  soil 
is  sandy  and  covered  with  a  fine  growth  of  natural  bunch  grass.  No  surface 
water.  Some  farming  land.  This  township  is  crossed  by  the  railroad.  Value, 
$8  to  $15  per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  12  to  18  inches.    Elevation,  4,000  feet. 

Township  9  N.,  R.  51  W. — This  township  is  crossed  diagonally  by  the 
railroad  and  the  South  Platte  river.  The  vacant  lands  are  in  the  extreme 
southern  portion.  This  section  is  in  the  sand  hills.  There  is  a  fair  growth  of 
sand  grass.  No  surface  water.  Annual  rainfall,  12  to  18  inches.  Elevation, 
4,000  feet.    Value,  $10  to  $12  per  acre. 

Township  10  N.,  R.  51  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land.  The  soil 
is  generally  sandy  with  good  growths  of  natural  grass.  Value,  $12  to  $20  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  12  to  18  inches.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Three  miles 
from  railroad. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  51  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land,  somewhat 
broken  in  places.  The  soil  is  a  clay  loam,  naturally  covered  with  good  grass. 
Very  good  agricultural  land.  Annual  rainfall,  12  to  18  inches.  Elevation, 
4,200  feet.  Value,  $9  to  $18  per  acre.  There  is  very  little  surface  water.  The 
railroad  runs  through  a  corner  of  the  township. 

Township  6  N.,  R.  52  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  plains  and  prairies. 
There  is  a  good  stand  of  native  grasses,  affording  fine  grazing.  The  soil  is 
quite  sandy  with  some  drifting  sand  hills.  This  land  is  good  for  grazing. 
Value,  $8  to  $20  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  12  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,100 
feet.  Three  miles  from  railroad.  Located  seven  miles  from  Sterling,  the 
county  seat. 

Township  7  N.,  R.  52  W. — This  township  is  rolling  prairie  land  with  light 
sandy  soil,  covered  with  a  good  growth  of  native  grasses,  affording  fine  graz- 
ing. The  South  Platte  river  crosses  the  western  portion  of  the  township, 
and  the  vacant  lands  are  east  of  the  river.  There  are  some  sand  hills  in  this  town- 
ship. No  surface  water,  aside  from  the  river.  The  railroad  crosses  the  ex- 
treme northeast  corner.  Annual  rainfall,  12  to  18  inches.  Elevation,  4,000 
feet.  Valued  at  from  $8  to  $20  per  acre.  Located  in  central  Logan  county, 
two  miles  from  Sterling,  the  county  seat. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  52  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  partly  rolling 
prairies  and  partly  rough  and  mountainous.  There  are  numerous  springs  in 
this  section.  Also  some  timber  in  the  rougher  portions.  The  soil  is  a  clay  loam. 
Annual  rainfall,  12  to  18  inches.  Elevation,  4,500  feet.  Value,  $7  to  $20  per 
acre.     The  railroad  crosses  this  township. 

Township  6  N.,  R.  53  W.— This  township  is  crossed  diagonally  by  the 
South  Platte  river  and  the  railroad.  The  vacant  lands  are  in  the  southeast 
corner.  They  are  comparatively  level  and  covered  with  a  good  growth  of 
natural  sand  grass.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam.  There  is  no  surface  water 
aside  from  that  in  the  river.  There  is  a  bridge  across  the  river  to  the  town 
of  Merino  on  the  railroad.  Value,  $8  to  $15  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  13 
inches.    Elevation,  4,000  feet. 

Township  9  N.,  R.  53  W. — The  surface  is  a  rolling  prairie  with  a  good 
growth  of  buffalo  grass.  The  northern  and  western  portions  are  covered  with 
sage  brush  and  cactus,  indicating  good  soil.  Surface  water  is  found  in  holes 
along  Cedar  creek.  Value,  $10  to  $15  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  4,300  feet.     Three  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  10  N.,  R.  53  W.— The  surface  is  a  rolling  prairie  covered  with 
buffalo  grass  and  cactus.     There  is  some  surface  water  in  lioles  along  the 


190  Logan  County 


draws,  sufficient  for  stock.  The  soil  is  principally  a  clay  loam.  Value,  $9 
to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,400  feet.  Three 
miles  from  railroad. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  53  W. — The  surface  of  the  northeast  quarter  of  this 
township  is  gently  rolling  prairie  land.  The  southern  part  is  rather  undulat- 
ing with  gulches  and  small  canons.  There  is  some  cedar  timber  in  the  canons. 
A  good  growth  of  grass  affords  fair  grazing.  There  is  very  little  surface 
water.  The  soil  varies  from  a  clay  loam  to  a  sandy  loam.  Value,  $8  to  $15 
per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,500  feet.  Four  miles 
from  railroad. 

Township  9  N.,  R.  54  W. — The  surface  is  a  rolling  prairie  with  a  fair 
growth  of  buffalo  grass.  The  soil  is  a  good  quality  of  clay  loam.  There  is 
sufficient  water  for  stock.  Value,  $10  to  $20  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10 
to  15  inches.     Elevation,  4,500  feet.     Nine  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  10  N.,  R.  54  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land.  The  soil  is 
a  clay  loam.  Surface  water  found  in  holes  in  the  beds  of  Cedar  and  George's 
creeks.     No  water  for  irrigation.     The  soil  is  a  good  quality  with  a  heavy 

frowth  of  sage  brush.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  4,300  feet, 
alue,  $9  to  $15  per  acre.  Nine  miles  from  railroad.    Located  in  northwestern 
Logan  county. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  54  W. — The  surface  is  undulating  and  is  broken  by 
canyons  and  ravines.  The  soil  is  a  clay  loam  covered  with  a  good  growth  of 
native  grass.  There  is  no  surface  water.  Some  cedar  timber  is  to  be  found 
in  the  canyons.  There  is  considerable  farming  in  this  township.  Value,  $10  to 
$15  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,800  feet.  Ten  miles 
from  railroad. 

Township  12  N.,  R.  54  W. — The  surface  is  rolling,  broken  by  gulches  and 
canyons.  There  are  some  cedars  in  the  canyons.  The  surface  is  covered  with 
a  poor  growth  of  bunch  grass.  The  soil  is  a  clay  loam.  There  is  no  surface 
water.  Value,  $8  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation, 
5,000  feet.    Twelve  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  7  N.,  R.  55  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land.  Grood  soil, 
covered  with  Buffalo  grass  and  cactus.  No  surface  water.  Value,  $5  to  $15 
per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,400  feet.  Railroad  crosses 
this  township. 

Township  8  N.,  R.  55  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land.  This  town- 
ship contains  some  first-class  land;  the  balance  is  of  medium  quality.  There 
is  some  water  in  the  gulches.  It  is  fairly  good  grazing  land.  Value,  $6  to  $12 
per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,300  feet.  Three  miles 
from  railroad. 

Township  9  N.,  R.  55  W. — The  surface  is  quite  rolling.  The  soil  is  a  clay 
loam.  There  is  plenty  of  good  buffalo  grass.  Pawnee  creek  crosses  this  town- 
ship. Value,  $10  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation, 
4,500  feet.  Ten  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  10  N.,  R.  55  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  and  somewhat  broken. 
The  soil  is  a  good  clay  loam  covered  with  buffalo  and  gramma  grasses. 
There  are  cottonwood  trees  along  Horse  Tail  creek;  and  water  in  holes  fed 
h^  springs.  Good  grazing  land.  Value,  $9  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall, 
15  inches.    Elevation,  4,500  feet.  Fifteen  miles  from  railroad. 


by  ap 
10  to 


Logan  County  191 


Township  11  N.,  R.  55  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land.  The  soil 
is  good  clay  loam,  covered  with  a  fine  growth  of  grass.  There  are  some  good 
springs  in  this  township  and  first-class  building  stone  in  many  places.  No 
surface  water.  Value,  $10  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  6,000  feet.    Fifteen  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  12  N.,  R.  55  W. — This  township  adjoins  the  Nebraska  state  line. 
The  surface  is  generally  rough,  broken  and  mountainous.  Cedar  and  pine 
trees  are  found  in  the  canyons.  It  is  good  grazing  land.  The  surface  is  more 
level  in  the  southeastern  portion.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall, 
10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  5,000  feet.    Eighteen  miles  from  the  railroad. 


MESA  COUNTY 

GLENWOOD  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  136,363  Acres. 
MONTROSE  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  925,514  Acres. 

Mesa  county  is  quite  a  large  county.  It  is  located  in  the  extreme  western 
portion  of  the  State,  adjoining  the  Utah  state  line,  and  is  on  the  western  side 
of  the  Great  Continental  divide,  in  the  section  commonly  spoken  of  as  the 
"Western  slope." 

The  Grand  river  crosses  the  county  from  east  to  west.  The  principal 
feature  of  Mesa  county  is  the  grand  valley,  a  very  wide,  comparatively  level 
valley.  There  are  large  irrigation  projects  in  this  valley  and  a  great  deal  of 
the  land  is  under  cultivation.  The  United  States  reclamation  service  is  now 
constructing  a  high  line  canal,  which  will  place  a  large  additional  area  under 
irrigation. 

The  Grand  valley  is  perhaps  best  known  for  its  fruit.  Apples,  pears  and 
peaches  are  raised  here  and  are  of  exceptional  quality  and  world-wide  fame. 

The  approximate  value  per  vear  of  the  agricultural  products  of  the  county 
is  as  follows: 

Fruits    $1,750,000.00 

Wheat   and   grain 200,000.00 

Hay    800,000.00 

Vegetables   230,000.00 

Other  crops 85,000.00 

Grand  Junction,  tlie  county  seat,  is  located  at  the  junction  of  the  Grand 
and  Gunnison  rivers  and  is  a  city  of  5,000  people.  Fruita  and  Palisades,  each 
have  a  population  of  about  1,000  people,  and  are  the  next  cities  of  importance. 
The  population  of  the  county  is  23,000. 

Tn  the  extreme  eastern  portion  of  the  county  is  the  Plateau  valley,  a 
good  farming  district,  but  not  well  developed  on  account  of  lack  of  railroad 
facilities. 

There  are  some  coal  deposits  in  this  county  and  coal  mining  is  carried  on 
to  some  extent.  Outside  of  tlie  Grand  valley  the  characteristic  formation  of 
the  surface  is  high  flat-topped  mesas  with  almost  perpendicular  rocky  sides. 
The  streams  run  principally  in  narrow  canyons. 

GLENWOOD  LAND  DISTRICT. 

Township  9  S.,  R.  93  W. — Tliis  is  a  mountainous  township.  There  are 
numerous  small  streams  running  through  ravines.  In  most  portions  of  this 
district  the  grazing  is  good,  especially  along  Buzzard  creek  and  its  tributaries. 
Tlie  only  timber  is  a  few  scattered  clumps  of  aspens.  Elevation,  7,500  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Located  twenty-five  miles  from  a  railroad. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  10  S.,  R.  93  W. — This  is,  in  general,  a  rough,  rugged  township, 
lying  on  the- northern  slope  of  the  Grand  mesa.  The  northwestern  po'rtion  is 
the  only  part  not  included  in  the  Battlement  mesa  national  forest.  It  is  well 
watered  by  Parker  and  Plateau  creeks  and  is  a  fair  grazing  district.  Eleva- 
tion, 8,800  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Located  twenty-five  miles 
from  a  railroad.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 


IVIesa  County  193 


Township  9  S.,  R.  94  W. — This  township  is  located  at  the  head  of  Plateau 
valley.  Between  Buzzard  and  Plateau  creeks  there  are  long,  narrow  strips  of 
high  mesa  land,  affording  excellent  grazing.  The  balance  is  quite  hilly  and 
mountainous.  Located  twenty  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  6,500  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  10  S.,  R.  94  W. — This  township  is  rough,  rugged  and  mountain 
ous  in  character;  the  ridges  in  general  bear  northwest  and  southeast.  The 
principal  stream,  Grove  creek,  flows  diagonally  through  the  southwestern  por- 
tion. There  is  considerable  heavy  pine  and  spruce  timber  in  the  southern  por- 
tion and  a  dense  undergrowth  of  scrub  oak.  Fine  grass  in  some  portions.  Lo- 
cated ten  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  7,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to 
20  inches.     Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  9  S.,  R.  95  W. — This  township  consists  of  excellent  valley  land 
along  Cactus  and  Plateau  creeks;  the  rest  of  the  township  is  rough  and 
broken;  the  northeastern  portion  being  quite  mountainous.  The  central  por- 
tion is  covered  with  a  dense  undergrowth  of  cedars.  Grass  quite  good.  Lo- 
cated twelve  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall, 
15  to  20  inches.     Value,  $4  to  $6  per  acre. 

Township  10  S.,  R.  95  W. — The  surface  consists  of  broken  hills,  rolling 
mesa  and  level  bottoms.  The  northeastern  portion  is  located  on  a  fine  mesa. 
The  lands  are  covered  with  sage  brush  and  jfine  bunch  grass.  These  mesas  are 
partially  irrigated  from  Clear  Water  creek  and  farming  is  very  successfully 
carried  on  in  this  particular  portion.  The  southern  portion  is  covered  with 
a  dense  growth  of  oak  brush  and  scattering  cedar  timber  and  bunch  grass 
There  is  sufficient  water  to  make  this  a  good  grazing  section.  The  western 
portion  is  broken  and  covered  with  scattering  cedar  timber.  Located  twelve 
miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  6,000  to  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to 
20  inches.    Value,  $4  to  $7  per  acre. 

Township  8  S.,  R.  96  W. — The  southeastern  portion  of  this  township  lies 
on  the  edge  of  Battlement  mesa,  and  is  very  rough  and  mountainous,  being 
included  in  the  national  forest.  Spurs  from  this  mesa  run  toward  the  north- 
west, ending  in  railing  grassy  bottom  lands.  In  the  mountainous  portion  is 
found  scattering  cedars  and  pinon  timber;  while  on  the  bottoms  there  is  a 
dense  undergrowth  of  sage  brush  and  willows.  There  is  a  little  running  water 
found  in  Big  and  Little  Alkali  creeks,  which  sinks  before  reaching  the  river. 
Through  the  middle  and  upper  portions  of  the  township  lie  a  number  of  high 
mesas  bordered  with  scrub  cedars,  suitable  for  fence  posts  and  fuel.  The  soil 
is  of  good  quality,  especially  the  river  bottoms,  which  consist  of  a  rich,  adobe 
soil  excellent  for  agricultural  purposes.  There  is  good  grass  throughout  the 
entire  township.  The  Grand  river  and  railroad  cross  the  northwestern  corner. 
Elevation,  6,500  to  7,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  inches.  Value,  $4  to  $6 
per  acre. 

Township  9  S.,  R.  96  W. — This  township  is  rough  and  mountainous  over 
almost  the  entire  surface.  The  northern  portion  lies  on  Battlement  mesa.  In 
the  southern  portion  there  are  detached  areas  of  first-class  arable  land.  There 
is  no  surface  water.  The  timber  consists  of  cedars  and  pinons  suitable  for 
fence  posts  and  fuel.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Located  six  miles  from  a  railroad.    Value,  $4  to  $6  per  acre. 

Township  10  S.,  R.  96  W. — This  township  is  crossed  by  Plateau  creek  and 
lies  in  Plateau  Creek  valley.  The  western  portion  is  very  mountainous,  con- 
sisting of  high,  broken,  sandy  ridges;  the  southeastern  portion  is  broken  and 
covered  with  cedar  and  a  thick  growth  of  sage  brush;  the  surface  of  the  rest 


194  Mesa  County 


of  the  township  is  rolling,  and  it  is  as  fine  a  farming  country  as  any  in  thia 
part  of  the  State.  Value,  $4  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Elevation,  6,000  feet.     Located  six  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  11  S.,  R.  96  W. — This  township  lies  on  the  northern  slope  of  tho 
Grand  mesa.  The  surface  is  broken  and  mountainous;  the  soil  varies  from 
second  to  third  rate.  A  portion  of  this  district  is  covered  with  a  dense  growth 
of  pine  and  spruce  timber.  There  are  some  good  grazing  lands  in  the  north- 
ern portion.  Watered  by  Mesa  and  Brown  creeks  and  their  branches.  Eleva- 
tion, 6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Located  eight  miles  from 
a  railroad.    Value,  $4  to  $6  per  acre. 

Township  8  S.,  R.  97  W. — The  northern  portion  of  this  township  is  quite 
mountainous,  rough  and  broken;  the  high  ridges  dividing  the  streams  are 
high  and  rocky.  The  bottoms  and  high  mesas  are  covered  with  a  thick  growth 
of  brush.  Agricultural  land  can  be  found  along  the  streams  and  bottoms. 
There  is  a  considerable  growth  of  timber  in  this  locality.  Elevation,  5,500 
feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $4  to  $10  per  acre.  Crossed  by 
the  railroad  and  the  Grand  river. 

Township  8  S.,  R.  98  W. — A  rough,  mountainous  township;  the  ridges  di- 
viding the  streams  are  high  and  abrupt  and  very  rocky;  in  the  southern  por- 
tion there  is  a  high  mesa  covered  with  oak  brush.  The  soil  is  sandy  and 
unfit  for  cultivation.  There  is  an  abundance  of  grass,  making  this  section 
well  adapted  to  grazing.  Pinon  and  cedar  timber.  Located  two  miles  from 
a  railroad.  Elevation,  5,500  to  6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  8  S.,  R.  99  W. — Generally  mountainous.  A  very  high,  abrupt 
mesa  extending  east  and  west  through  the  central  portion.  The  ridges  divid- 
ing the  streams  are  high  and  rocky  and  unfit  for  cultivation.  The  soil  is 
sandy  in  general,  but  some  good  soil  is  found  along  the  principal  streams. 
There  is  considerable  clear  water  and  an  abundance  of  bunch  and  blue  grass. 
There  is  a  little  cedar  and  pinon  timber.  This  district  does  not  show  any  in- 
dications of  minerals.  Located  seven  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  6,500 
to  7,500  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  8  S.,  R.  100  W. — The  northern  boundary  of  this  township  runs 
along  the  main  ridge  of  the  Book  cliffs,  extending  from  this  are  numerous 
small  ridges  covered  with  a  fair  growth  of  spruce  timber.  The  soil  is  good 
with  a  dense  undergrowth  of  brush  in  considerable  quantity.  Elevation,  6,500 
feet.     Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  8  S.,  R.  101  W. — The  southwestern  corner  of  this  township  lies 
in  the  Grand  River  valley,  the  rest  is  situated  on  the  Little  Book  cliffs,  con- 
sisting of  rough,  rugged  mountains  and  covered  with  a  scrubby  timber.  Coal 
formation  in  this  township.  Located  ten  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation, 
5,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  8  S.,  R.  102  W. — The  northern  portion  lies  in  the  rough  Book 
cliffs  and  is  rugged  and  mountainous,  covered  with  a  scrubby  growth  of  tim- 
ber; the  southern  portion  lies  on  the  edge  of  the  Grand  River  valley,  and 
would  be  very  productive  land  if  water  was  secured  for  irrigating  it.  Located 
five  miles  from  a  railroad.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10 
to  15  inches.     Elevation,  5,000  feet. 

Township  8  S.,  R.  103 — This  is  a  mountainous  township,  located  at  the 
head  of  Salt  creek.  The  surface  is  generally  rough  and  is  covered  with  scat- 
tering timber.    There  is  no  grass  on  the  bottoms,  but  on  the  hillsides  and  top 


Mesa  County  195 


of  the  mountains  there  is  a  heavy  growth  of  bunch  grass.  In  the  mountains 
plenty  of  water  can  be  secured  from  West  Salt  creek.  The  soil  is  a  fair 
quality  of  loam.  This  township  is  on  the  edge  of  the  Grand  River  valley. 
Valine,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Elevation,  4,800  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.    Located  three  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  8  S.,  R.  104  W. — This  township  is  in  what  is  known  as  the 
Fruita  desert  and  is  considered  to  include  the  best  winter  range  in  this  part 
of  the  State.  This  is  a  naturally  barren,  arid  section,  but  the  soil  is  good  and 
suitable  to  cultivation,  if  irrigated.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 5,000  feet.  This  township  is  crossed  by  railroad.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5 
per  acre. 

MONTROSE  LAND  DISTRICT. 

Township  9  S.,  R.  97  W.— With  the  exception  of  the  Una  valley  and  small 
mesa  lying  west  of  the  Grand  river,  this  township  is  generally  rough  and 
mountainous.  The  soil  is  sandy  and  clay,  covered  with  bunch  grass,  sage 
brush,  cedar  and  pinon  timber.  The  Grand  river  runs  in  a  canyon  across  tho 
northern  portion  of  the  township.  Elevation,  5,500  feet.  This  township  is 
crossed  by  railroad.    Value,  $4  to  $10  per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  15  inches. 

Township  10  S.,  R.  97  W. — This  township  abounds  in  mountainous  ridges 
and  deep,  rocky  canons.  There  is  considerable  water  in  Plateau  creek. 
There  is  very  little  grass  here,  but  it  is  considered  by  stockmen  as  a  good 
winter  range,  as  the  cattle  browse  on  greasewood  and  sage  brush.  Some 
scattering  timber  of  small  size  is  to  be  found.  Plateau  creek  and  Grand  river 
cut  through  deep  canyons.  The  railroad  touches  the  northwestern  corner  of 
the  township.  Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value, 
$4  to  $6  per  acre. 

Township  11  S.,  R.  97  W. — The  southeastern  portion  consist  of  elevated 
table  lands  which  break  off  abruptly  to  a  second  bench  several  hundred  feet 
lower.  This  portion  is  broken  and  rolling.  The  extreme  northwestern  and 
western  portions  are  very  broken.  The  high  table  land  is  covered  with  bunch 
grass  and  clumps  of  aspen  and  spruce;  while  in  the  lower  portions  scrub  oak, 
aspen  and  spruce  abound.  This  township  contains  some  fine  agricultural  land. 
Grazing  is  good.  Located  three  miles  from  a  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  15 
to  20  inches.    Elevation,  6,000  to  8,000  feet.    Value,  $3.50  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  12  S.,  R.  97  W. — ^Very  rough  and  mountainous.  All  the  desir- 
able agricultural  land  has  been  filed  on.  There  is  good  grazing  in  the  moun- 
tains and  much  running  water.  Elevation,  6,000  to  9,000  feet.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 15  to  20  inches.    Ten  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  13  S.,  R.  97  W. — This  township  is  rough  and  mountainous,  and 
is  located  on  the  western  slope  of  the  Grand  mesa;  it  is  more  level  in  the 
southwestern  corner.  The  surface  throughout  is  covered  with  loose  rock. 
There  is  some  timber  and  considerable  brush.  There  is  considerable  grazing 
land  here.  Elevation,  6,000  to  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  inches.  Value, 
$3.50  to  $5  per  acre.    Located  five  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  9  S.,  R.  98  W. — This  township  is  very  mountainous,  rough  and 
broken.  The  ridges  dividing  the  streams  are  high  and  rocky.  In  the  south- 
ern portion  there  is  a  high  mesa  extending  east  and  west  across  the  town- 
ship and  covered  with  a  dense  growth  of  oak  brush.  There  is  considerable 
water  in  the  gulches  and  canyons,  sufficient  for  stock.  This  township  is  not 
fit  for  agriculture,  but  there  is  an  abundance  of  grass,  which  makes  it  good 
for  grazing.     The  timber  is  pinon  and  in  considerable  quantities.     A  railroad 


196  Mesa  County 


touches  the  southeastern  corner.     Elevation,  6,800  feet.     Annual  rainfall,  10 
to  15  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  10  S.,  R.  98  W. — This  is  a  mountainous  township  with  canyons 
along  the  Grand  river  and  the  dry  gulches.  The  soil  is  clay  and  also  sandy 
and  rocky.  The  vegetation  consists  of  bunch  grass,  sage  brush,  cedar  and 
pinon  timber.  This  is  not  a  good  grazing  district.  There  are  indications  of 
coal  in  this  locality.  This  township  is  crossed  by  a  railroad,  which  runs  in  the 
canon  of  the  Grand  river.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Elevation,  5,500  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  11  S.,  R.  98  W. — A  very  rough,  mountainous  district  through- 
out, with  the  exception  of  a  narrow  strip  along  the  Grand  river,  which  is  in 
fine  fruit  orchards.  Considerable  coal  mining  is  carried  on  in  this  district. 
The  timber  consists  of  scattering  scrubby  pinon  and  cedar.  There  is  some 
grazing  along  the  creeks.  Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  9  S.,  R.  99  W. — A  very  mountainous  township;  the  soil  is  poor 
and  rocky  and  unfit  for  cultivation.  Water  is  found  in  many  of  the  ravines. 
There  is  an  abundance  of  bunch  and  blue  grass.  This  is  a  good  grazing  dis- 
trict. Considerable  pinon  and  cedar  timber  abound  in  this  locality.  There 
are  no  indications  of  mineral.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Located  six  miles  from 
a  railroad.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  10  S.,  R.  99  W. — The  soil  varies  from  an  adobe  clay  to  sandy 
and  rocky.  This  is  a  poor  grazing  district  although  the  township  is  well 
watered.  Elevation,  5,000  to  7,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Located  three  miles  from  a  railroad.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  12  S.,  R.  99  W. — There  are  fine  bottom  lands  in  this  township 
along  the  Gunnison  river,  but  they  require  irrigation;  outside  of  these  lands 
the  surface  of  the  township  is  broken  and  mountainous  with  little  other 
land  of  much  value.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  under  10  inches. 
This  township  is  crossed  by  railroad.     Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  13  S.,  R.  99  W. — The  surface  is  chiefly  elevated  plateaus,  sloping 
from  the  south  to  the  north  and  very  broken.  There  are  no  large  streams, 
with  the  exception  of  the  Gunnison  river  and  East  creek.  The  only  land  suit- 
able for  cultivation  is  very  narrow  strips  along  the  Gunnison.  There  is  a 
stunted  growth  of  cedar  and  pinon,  but  no  timber  of  value.  Annual  rainfall, 
less  than  10  inches.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  This  township  is  crossed  by  a 
railroad.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  14  S.,  R.  99  W. — In  the  northwestern  corner  of  this  township 
there  are  a  few  sections  known  as  "Cactus  Flats"  covering  a  few  thousand 
acres  of  exceptionally  rich  soil,  which  would  be  very  valuable  if  water  could 
be  stored  and  conducted  thereon.  The  remainder  of  the  township  is  located  in 
a  mountainous,  barren  section,  not  even  good  for  grazing.  Annual  rainfall, 
under  10  inches.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Located  one  mile  from  a  railroad. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  99  W. — This  is  a  mountainous  township  on  the  edge 
of  the  Uncompaghre  plateau  not  surveyed. 

Township  9  S.,  R.  100  W. — The  northern  portion  of  this  township  is  a 
part  of  the  Book  cliffs,  which  are  very  rough  and  precipitious.  There  is  a 
scrubby  growth  of  cedars  throughout  the  mesa.  The  lands  outside  of  the 
mesa  are  cut  by  ravines.  Water  is  scarce  in  this  district.  Annual  rainfall, 
10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  5,000  to  6,000  feet.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 


Mesa  County  197 


Township  10  S.,  R.  100  W.— This  is  a  fractional  township;  the  surface 
consists  of  adobe  hills,  valleys  and  sandy  mesas  lying  at  the  foot  of  Little 
Book  cliflfs.  It  is  cut  by  several  gulches  and  ravines,  all  dry  a  greater  part 
of  the  year.  A  large  portion  of  this  township  lies  in  the  Grand  River  valley. 
While  arid  nonproductive  land  at  present,  it  will  be  valuable  if  irrigated. 
There  is  some  grass  on  the  sandy  mesas.  Located  six  miles  from  a  railroad. 
Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Five  miles  from  rail- 
road.   Value,  $3.50  to  $7  per  acre. 

Township  12  S.,  R.  100  W.— This  is  a  plateau  country  very  badly  broken 
by  deep,  rocky  ravines  and  gulches.  It  lies  just  south  of  the  Gunnison  river, 
which  cuts  the  northeastern  corner ;  there  is  no  other  water  excepting  that  in 
the  river.  The  surface  is  covered  quite  generally  with  a  scant  growth  of 
scrubby  cedars  and  pinons.  There  is  no  land  suitable  for  agriculture,  outside 
of  the  level  valleys  and  narrow  strips  of  bottom  land.  Elevation,  5,000  feet. 
This  township  is  crossed  by  a  railroad.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  inches  or  less. 

Township  13  S.,  R.  100  W.— This  township  is  an  elevated  plateau,  sloping 
rapidly  north.  The  surface  is  exceedingly  broken  by  rough  canyons  travers- 
ing numerous  rocky  ravines.  A  large  area  is  covered  with  loose  rock  ridges. 
There  is  a  scant  growth  of  scrubby  cedar  and  pinon  over  the  entire  township 
with  some  yellow  pine.  This  is  a  rather  barren  section  with  no  land  suitable 
for  agriculture.  There  is  very  little  water.  Elevation,  5,500  to  8,500  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Located  three  miles  from  a  railroad.  Value, 
$3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  14  S.,  R.  100  W. — The  surface  is  rough  and  mountainous,  cov- 
ered with  a  dense  growth  of  timber,  stunted  in  character.  There  is  some 
agricultural  land  in  Unaweep  canyon  and  some  other  portions  that  could  be 
cultivated.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Located 
six  miles  from  a  railroad.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  100  W. — This  is  an  exceedingly  rough,  mountainous 
township,  covered  with  heavy  timber.  There  is  no  agricultural  land  here  and 
very  little  grazing  land.  This  township  is  mostly  located  on  the  Uncompaghre 
plateau,  the  southewestern  portion  being  included  in  the  national  forest. 
Located  ten  miles  from  a  railroad.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Elevation, 
7,000  to  8,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  15  inches. 

Township  9  S.,  R.  101  W. — This  township  is  mostly  on  the  Little  Book 
cliffs;  it  is  a  precipitious,  rough  country  covered  with  cedar  and  pinon  tim- 
ber of  an  inferior  quality.  The  northeastern  portion  is  a  rolling  prairie  cov- 
ered with  bunch  grass  and  sage  brush.  The  soil  is  sandy  and  of  poor  quality. 
There  is  no  surface  water.  Located  nine  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation, 
5,500  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  12  S.,  R.  101  W. — This  township  is  mountainous,  rough  and 
broken,  covered  with  bunch  grass,  sage  brush,  cedar  and  pinon  timber.  The 
soil  is  sandy  and  rocky,  being  of  poor  quality.  There  are  several  living 
springs  in  sections  25,  26,  35  and  36.  This  district  is  well  adapted  to  grazing. 
There  are  no  agricultural  lands.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Located  five 
miles  from  a  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  10  inches.  Elevation,  6,500  to 
7,500  feet. 

Township  13  S.,  R.  101  W. — A  rough,  mountainous  township.  The  soil  is 
partially  sandy  and  rocky  and  partially  black  loam.  There  is  considerable 
pine,  cedar  and  pinon  timber,  some  of  which  has  been  cut  for  mill  timber. 
There  is  an  excellent  stand  of  grass,  principally  bunch  and  blue  grass,  afford- 


198  Mesa  County 


ing  good  grazing  for  cattle.  East  creek  carries  considerable  water.  Elevation, 
7,000  to  9,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  16  inches.  Located  five  miles  from 
a  railroad.    Value,  $4  to  $6  per  acre. 

Township  14  S.,  R.  101  W.— The  surface  is  generally  very  rough  and 
broken.  Water  courses  divide  the  steep,  rough  ridges  of  sandstone.  The 
northern  and  central  portions  are  high  and  comparatively  level  mesas  with 
very  precipitious  bluflfs.  The  timber  in  the  southern  part  is  mostly  pinon, 
while  that  in  the  northern  part  is  principally  pine  and  aspen.  There  is  con- 
siderable water  in  some  of  the  creeks  and  gulches.  This  is  a  fairly  good  graz- 
ing country,  bunch  grass  growing  in  abundance.  Elevation,  8,000  to  10,000 
feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Located  twelve  miles  from  a  railroad. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  9  S.,  R.  102  W. — This  is  a  fractional  township  lying  in  the 
Grand  river  valley  and  is  very  productive  land  if  irrigated.  There  is  plenty 
of  Cottonwood  timber  on  East  Salt  creek,  but  no  water.  Water  that  is  found 
by  digging  is  intensely  alkaline.  Located  five  miles  from  a  railroad.  Eleva- 
tion, 5,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  16  inclies.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  11  S.,  R.  102  W. — This  township  lies  on  top  of  a  mesa  south  of 
the  Grand  river.  The  surface  is  rough  and  broken,  covered  with  a  dense 
growth  of  pinon  and  cedar  timber.  The  soil  is  poor,  being  sandy  and  rocky, 
and  of  third  rate.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Located  five  miles  from  a  railroad. 
Annual  rainfall,  less  than  10  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  12  S.,  R.  102  W. — This  is  a  mountainous,  rough,  broken  country, 
covered  with  pinon  and  cedar  timber,  also  having  a  dense  growth  of  sage 
brush.  There  is  good  grazing,  but  the  scarcity  of  water  j-enders  this  district 
worthless  except  for  winter  range.  Most  of  the  gulches  carry  water  from  the 
winter  snows.  The  soil  is  generally  sandy  and  rocky,  being  third  rate.  Eleva- 
tion, 6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Located  eight  miles  from  a 
railroad.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  13  S.,  R.  102  W. — The  surface  is  very  rough  and  broken,  cut  by 
deep  canyons;  the  northern  portion  is  covered  with  a  dense  growth  of  pinon 
and  cedar;  the  southern  contains  little  or  no  timber.  The  soil  is  a  black 
loam  and  the  grass  is  very  good  in  places.  This  township  is  watered  by 
Little  Dolores  river.  Located  ten  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  7,000  to 
8,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  care. 

Township  14  S.,  R.  102  W. — This  is  a  mountainous  township  with  con- 
siderable high  mesa  land ;  the  ridges  between  the  gulches  are  rough  and  rocky, 
the  canyons  are  from  400  to  800  feet  deep.  The  soil  is  a  black  loam  and  gen- 
erally of  high  quality.  The  timber  is  principally  aspen.  The  mesas  are  cov- 
ered with  a  dense  growth  of  oak  brush.  Located  fifteen  miles  from  a  railroad. 
Elevation,  8,000  to  9,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $3.50 
to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  102  W. — The  southern  portion  of  the  township  is  in- 
cluded in  the  Uncompaghre  national  forest;  the  northern  part  is  generally 
rough  and  mountainous.  There  are  good  farming  lands  along  Unaweep 
canyon.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Located  twenty  miles  from  a  rail- 
road.   Value,  $3.50  to  $7  per  acre.    Elevation,  6,500  feet. 

Township  9  S.,  R.  103  W. — This  township  lies  principally  in  the  Grand 
River  valley;  the  southwestern  portion  and  the  northwestern  portion  are 
hilly,  the  rest  is  comparatively  level.  Coal  is  found  throughout  this  district. 
A  railroad  crosses  this  section.  Elevation,  4,600  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10 
to  16  inchei.    Value,  $6  to  $10  per  acre. 


Mesa  County  199 


Township  10  S.,  R.  103  W. — This  township  is  very  rocky,  cut  up  by  deep 
canyons,  ravines  and  numerous  sandstone  ridges.  Along  the  Grand  river 
there  are  some  very  fertile  bottom  lands.  There  is  almost  no  timber  in  this 
township.  A  railroad  crosses  the  northeastern  corner.  Elevation,  4,500  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  less  than  10  inches.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  11  S.,  R.  103  W. — This  is  a  mountainous  township  on  top  of  the 
bluflfs  just  south  of  the  Grand  river  and  is  covered  with  a  dense  growth  of 
pinon  and  cedar  timber.  The  soil  is  generally  sandy  and  rocky  and  of  poor 
quality.  The  grass  is  fair.  Annual  rainfall,  10  inches.  Elevation,  6,500  feet. 
Located  three  miles  from  a  railroad.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  12  S.,  R.  103  W. — This  township  is  mountainous,  very  rough 
and  broken  in  the  southern  part;  the  northern  portion  is  covered  with  cedar 
and  pinon  timber  of  inferior  quality.  Sage  brush  covers  the  entire  township. 
The  soil  varies  from  sandy  adobe  to  clay.  Considerable  sandstone  outcropings 
are  to  be  found  here.  This  section  is  watered  by  the  Little  Dolores  river. 
This  is  a  good  grazing  district.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation, 
6,500  feet.    Located  ten  miles  from  a  railroad.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  13  S.,  R.  103  W. — The  surface  in  this  township  is  very  moun- 
tainous, rough  and  broken;  the  ridges  between  the  gulches  and  streams  are 
high  and  rocky.  Little  Dolores  river,  a  stream  carrying  running  water,  runs 
through  this  township;  there  are  also  several  gulches  and  canyons  in  which 
water  is  to  be  found.  There  is  considerable  pinon  and  cedar  timber  in  the 
northern  portion.  An  abundant  growth  of  bunch  and  blue  grass  affords  ex- 
cellent grazing.  There  are  no  indications  of  minerals  in  this  district.  Eleva 
tion,  6,500  to  8,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Located  fifteen 
miles  from  a  railroad.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  14  S.,  R.  103  W. — This  is  a  very  mountainous,  rough,  broken 
township  on  the  divide  between  the  Dolores  and  Grand  rivers.  There  is  some 
high  mesa  land.  The  soil  is  mostly  a  black  loam  of  first  quality.  There  is 
an  abundant  growth  of  bunch  and  blue  grass,  affording  good  grazing.  There 
is  considerable  aspen  timber  also,  some  pine,  spruce,  balsam  and  pinon.  This 
township  is  fairly  well  watered  by  running  streams  and  numerous  springs. 
Located  twenty  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  7,000  to  9,000  feet.  An- 
nual rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  103  W. — This  is  a  mountainous  township  at  the  north- 
ern edge  of  the  Uncompaghre  plateau.  The  soil  varies  from  a  sandy  loam  of 
medium  quality  to  a  black  loam  of  the  best  quality.  An  abundant  growth  of 
bunch  and  blue  grass  affords  excellent  grazing.  West  creek  contains  running 
water.  So  do  the  many  gulches  and  canyons.  Considerable  timber,  prin- 
cipally pinon  is  to  be  found  throughout  this  district.  The  surface  is  generally 
covered  with  oak  brush.  Located  twenty-five  miles  from  a  railroad.  Eleva- 
tion, 6,500  to  7,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5 
per  acre. 

Township  9  S.,  R.  104  W. — This  township  lies  principally  in  the  sage  brush 
plains  and  is  rolling  in  character,  covered  with  sage  brush  and  greasewood,  but 
with  very  little  grass.  The  ravines  are  generally  cut  deep  into  the  soil.  The 
soil  is  of  medium  quality.  This  district  contains  a  sparse  growth  of  timber, 
and  is  located  in  the  Grand  River  valley.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 10  to  15  inches.  A  railroad  crosses  this  township.  Value,  |5  to  |10 
per  acre. 

Township  10  S.,  R.  104  W. — This  township  is  located  in  the  Grand  Hirer 
valley  and  is  crossed  by  the  Grand  river  and  railroad.    South  of  the  rirer  it 


200  Mesa  County 


is  mountainous  and  cut  up  with  rough  and  rocky  canyons;  the  central  portion 
is  rough  and  bluffy  along  the  river  and  contains  considerable  poor  timber,  the 
northern  portion  lies  on  the  plains.  Here  the  soil  is  fair.  The  township  is 
destitute  of  water,  but  grows  a  good  quality  of  blue  grass.  Elevation,  4,500 
feet.    Annual  rainfall,  under  10  inches.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  11  S.,  R.  104  W. — The  surface  is  generally  rough  and  mountain- 
ous, lying  principally  on  the  high  bluffs  south  of  the  Grand  river.  The  soil 
is  a  sandy  loam  of  poor  quality;  the  grass  is  very  good,  but  in  the  north- 
western portion  it  is  scarce.  The  Grand  river  and  railroad  crosses  the  north- 
western corner,  through  a  small  rocky  canyon.  There  is  considerable  scat- 
tered timber.  Elevation,  4,500  to  6,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  less  than  10 
inches.    Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  12  S.,  R.  104  W. — The  surface  is  rough  and  broken  and  cut  by 
many  deep  canyons.  Little  Dolores  river  crosses  this  township.  There  is  con- 
siderable timber  scattered  over  the  surface.  The  grazing  is  good  and  there  is 
an  abundance  of  water  for  stock  raising.  Located  five  miles  from  a  railroad. 
Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5 
per  acre. 

Township  13  S.,  R.  104  W. — The  surface  is  generally  mountainous  and 
broken.  There  are  some  high  mesas  in  the  northern  portion.  The  soil  is 
sandy  and  rocky,  being  of  second  quality.  This  is  a  good  grazing  section, 
being  covered  with  a  natural  growth  of  blue  and  bunch  grass.  Water  is 
found  in  many  of  the  gulches  the  year  round.  There  is  considerable  timber 
and  oak  brush  scattered  quite  generally  over  the  township.  Elevation, 
6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Located  twelve  miles  from  a 
railroad. 

Township  14  S.,  R.  104  W. — This  is  a  very  mountainous  district.  The  soil 
is  sandy  and  unfit  for  cultivation.  There  is  considerable  flowing  water  in 
Granite  creek.  There  is  an  abundant  growth  of  bunch  and  blue  grass  cover- 
ing the  township,  making  this  an  excellent  grazing  section.  Considerable 
pinon  and  cedar  timber.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.     Located  eighteen  miles  from  a  railroad.     Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  104  W. — This  is  a  mountainous  and  very  rough  town- 
ship. The  soil  is  rocky  and  generally  unfit  for  cultivation.  There  is  an 
abundant  growth  of  blue  and  bunch  grass.  This  district  is  well  suited  for 
grazing  purposes.  It  is  crossed  by  the  Dolores  river,  which  is  quite  a  large 
stream  of  clear  running  water.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to 
15  inches.  Located  twenty-five  miles  from  a  railroad.  Value,  $3.50  to  $6 
per  acre. 

Township  1  N.,  R.  1  E. — Ute  P.  M. — The  northeastern  corner  consists  of 
rough  land  on  the  edge  of  the  Book  cliffs,  the  rest  of  the  township  lies  in  the 
Grand  River  valley  and  is  gently  rolling  land  with  a  first-class  soil.  Elevation, 
4,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Located  three  miles  from  Grand 
Junction,  the  county  seat  and  railroad  junction. 

Township  1  S.,  R.  1  E. — Ute  P.  M. — This  township  is  located  in  the  Grand 
River  valley  and  is  principally  level  land,  with  first-class  soil  under  a  high 
state  of  cultivation.  This  district  is  crossed  by  a  railroad  and  the  Grand 
river.    Elevation,  4,500  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  inches. 

Township  1  S.,  R.  2  E. — Ute  P.  M. — This  township  is  situated  in  the  Grand 
Valley,  and  is  crossed  by  the  Grand  river  and  railroad.  Most  of  this  district 
is  composed  of  fine  level  land  under  a  high  state  of  cultivation;  along  the  east- 


Mesa  County  201 


ern  edce  there  is  some  rough,  broken  land.     Elevation,  4,500  feet.     Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $8  to  $12  per  acre. 

Township  2  S.,  R.  2  E. — Ute  P.  M. — This  township  lies  just  east  of  the 
Gunnison  river,  at  the  foot  of  the  Grand  Mesa.  The  western  portion  is  situated 
in  the  Grand  river  valley;  the  eastern  portion  is  rough  and  broken.  Elevation, 
4,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  inches.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Located  one 
mile  from  a  railroad. 

Township  1  N.,  R.  1  E. — Ute  P.  M. — The  western  portion  of  this  township 
consists  of  fine  level  agricultural  land  in  the  Grand  river  valley;  in  the  north- 
eastern corner  it  is  very  rough  at  the  foot  of  the  Book  Cliflfs,  and  is  crossed 
by  a  railroad.  Elevation,  4,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value, 
$5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  1  N.,  R.  2  W. — Ute  P.  M. — This  township  is  located  in  the  Grand 
river  valley,  and  is  crossed  by  the  Grand  river  and  a  railroad.  The  south- 
western portion  consists  of  mesa  land  on  top  of  the  bluffs;  the  land  in  the 
northern  section  is  fine,  level  valley  land,  which  is  mostly  under  a  high  state 
of  cultivation  and  very  valuable.  This  township  is  crossed  by  a  railroad. 
Elevation,  4,500  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  inches.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  1  N.,  R.  3  W. — Ute  P.  M. — The  Grand  river  crosses  the  northern 
portion  of  this  township.  On  the  north  side  of  the  river  there  are  fine  agri- 
cultural lands;  south  of  the  river,  the  land  is  rough  and  hilly  and  situated  on 
top  of  bluffs.  Elevation,  4,500  feet.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  This  township 
is  crossed  by  a  railroad.    Annual  rainfall,  10  inches. 

Township  2  N.,  R.  2  W. — Ute  P.  M. — This  township  is  located  in  the  Grand 
river  valley;  the  northeastern  corner  lies  on  the  edge  of  the  Book  Cliffs  and 
is  rough.  Along  the  western  edge,  there  is  some  rough  land,  and  along  Salt 
Wash  the  surface  is  exceedingly  hilly.  The  general  character  of  the  township  is 
first-class  agricultural  land.  This  section  is  in  the  arid  district  and  will 
require  irrigation.  Located  two  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  4,500  feet. 
Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  10  inches. 

Township  2  N.,  R.  3  W. — ^Ute  P.  M. — This  is  an  agricultural  township, 
situated  in  the  Grand  river  valley,  and  is  crossed  by  a  railroad.  Elevation, 
4,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  The  surface  of  this  township  is 
rather  rough.  The  soil  is  good.  This  is  within  the  arid  district  and  requires 
irrigation.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  1  S.,  R.  1  W. — Ute  P.  M. — This  township  is  crossed  diagonally 
by  the  Grand  river,  is  the  junction  of  the  Grand  and  Gunnison  rivers,  and  is 
the  location  of  Grand  Junction.  North  of  the  river  there  are  fine,  level  agri- 
cultural lands;  south  of  the  river  are  bench  lands.  Elevation,  4,500  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  less  than  10  inches. 

Township  50  N.,  R.  14  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rough;  uplands 
covered  with  cedar,  pinon  and  scrub  oak.  There  are  some  good  farming  lands 
in  the  valley  of  the  Rio  Escalante,  and  there  is  plenty  of  water  to  irrigate  all 
the  land  that  can  be  brought  under  a  ditch.  The  balance  of  the  township  is 
suitable  only  for  grazing  purposes.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Elevation,  6,500 
feet.    Annual  rainfall,  15  inches.    Located  twelve  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  51  N.,  R.  14  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  broken  uplands, 
covered  with  a  heavy  growth  of  pinon  and  cedar  timber.  There  is  a  dense 
vegetation  of  scrub  oak  and  sage  brush.  The  northern  portion  is  only  suitable 
for  stock  raising.    There  is  some  farming  land  along  the  Rio  Escalante.    This 


Mesa  County 


township  is  badly  cut  by  gulches  and  canons.  Elevation,  7,000  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  inches.  Located  ten  miles  from  a  railroad.  Value,  $5  to  $10 
per  Acrt. 

Township  49  N.,  R.  17  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  very  rough  and 
mountainous,  and  is  gashed  by  several  deep  canons.  Owing  to  the  scarcity  of 
water,  there  are  no  lands  suitable  for  cultivation.  Elevation,  6,500  leet. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Located  thirty  miles  from  a  railroad.  Value, 
$3.60  to  $6  per  acre. 

Township  50  N.,  R.  17  W. — The  surface  is  very  rough  and  mountainous. 
This  township  is  located  on  the  edge  of  Uncompahgre  Plateau,  and  much  of 
the  surface  lies  at  an  angle  of  over  30  degrees;  considerable  of  it  is  barren 
sandstone  ridges.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  7,000  feet. 
Value,  $3.50  per  acre.    Located  thirty  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  49  N.,  R.  18  W. — This  township  is  cut  by  deep  vertical  canons, 
which  are  so  numerous  that  very  little  surface  is  accessible.  The  Dolores  river 
crosses  this  township  diagonally.  Grazing  is  fair  in  this  section.  Elevation, 
5,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Located  thirty-five  miles  from  a 
railroad.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  51  N.,  R.  18  W. — Half  of  this  township  is  inaccessible  on  account 
of  the  deep  canons.  There  is  no  running  water,  excepting  that  in  the  Dolores 
river,  which  crosses  the  southwestern  corner.  The  surface  is  considerably 
broken.  There  is  some  timber  in  evidence  here.  This  is  not  a  good  grazing 
section.  Elevation,  5,500  to  7,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Value,  $3.50  per  acre. 

Township  51  N.,  R.  18  W. — A  rough,  arid  township,  in  the  bluffs  east  of 
the  Dolores  river  and  mostlv  inaccessible.  There  are  some  springs  in  section 
12  and  some  good  pine  timber  in  the  northeastern  portion  of  the  township. 
Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Located  thirty  miles 
from  a  railroad.    Value,  $3.50  per  acre. 

Township  49  N.,  R.  19  W. — In  this  township  is  the  volcanic  crater  known 
as  Sinbad  valley,  a  gash  in  the  mountains  1,000  feet  deep.  There  are  2,000 
acres  of  land  suitable  for  farms,  which  would  require  irrigation.  Water  in  the 
crater  is  limited  to  one  or  two  small  streams.  There  are  several  springs  and 
creeks  along  the  valley.  In  most  places  this  townshij)  is  impassable.  There  is 
fair  grazing  in  the  mountains.  There  has  been  considerable  prospecting  here 
for  copper.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Located 
forty  miles  from  a  railroad.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  50  N.,  R.  19  W. — This  township  is  mountainous.  Much  of  the 
surface  is  on  the  walls  of  the  canons.  There  is  very  little  land  even  suitable 
for  grazing.  Elevation,  6,000  to  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Located  forty  miles  from  a  railroad.    Value,  $3.50  per  acre. 

Township  51  N.,  R.  19  W. — A  mountainous  township;  much  of  the  surface 
is  on  the  walls  of  almost  precipitious  canons.  There  is  some  farming  land  in 
the  valley  of  Dolores  canon.  Located  forty  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation, 
5,500  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  50  N.,  R.  20  W. — This  is  a  very  rugged  section,  wholly  moun- 
tainous, with  a  network  of  steep  canons.  There  is  very  little  available  surface 
level  enough  either  for  grazing  or  agricultural  purposes.  Fifty  miles  from  a 
railroad.  Elevation,  7,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $3.50 
per  acre. 


MINERAL  COUNTY 

Mineral  county  is  located  high  up  in  the  San  Juan  mountains  in  south- 
western Colorado.  Creede,  the  county  seat,  has  a  population  of  900,  and  is 
the  only  town  of  importance  in  the  county. 

Agricultural  areas  are  limited  to  narrow  valleys,  and  are  extremely  high 
in  elevation. 

The  principal  resources  are  mining,  lumber  and  stock  raising. 

The  approximate  value  per  year  of  the  agricultural  products  is  only 
$50,000.00,  most  of  this  being  raw  hay. 

There  are  no  open  government  lands  in  Mineral  county,  as  the  entire 
county  is  included  in  national  forests. 


MOFFAT   COUNTY 

GLENWOOD  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  2,261,676  Acres. 

This  is,  truly,  a  new  section  unsettled  and  undeveloped,  lying  in  the 
extreme  northwestern  corner  of  Colorado  adjoining  the  Utah  and  Wyoming 
lines.  It  is  watered  by  the  Bear  and  the  Little  Snake  rivers  and  their  tribu- 
taries. 

Moffat  county  is  a  land  of  wonderful  opportunities.  There  is  a  large 
amount  of  agricultural  land  in  the  form  of  good  sized  river  valleys  and 
smaller  valleys,  along  the  small  streams;  fertile  mesas,  plateaus  and  prairie 
lands  on  the  low  divides. 

The  soil  is  generally  very  fertile,  covered  with  a  rank  growth  of  under- 
brush, sage  and  scrub  timber.  This  is  a  splendid  grazing  district  with  a  fine 
stand  of  native  grasses  almost  everywhere. 

There  are  large  areas  of  coal  veins  included  in  this  county.  Settlers 
need  feel  no  uneasiness  over  the  fuel  question  here,  as  nearly  everyone  can 
have  his  own  coal  mine  and  help  himself.  Most  of  this  coal  outcrops  along 
the  sides  of  the  gulches  and  creeks  where  it  is  easily  accessible. 

There  are  great  quantities  of  scrub  cedar  throughout  the  county  and 
some  timber  of  mill  size  although  not  much  of  the  latter. 

In  the  following  descriptions  railroad  distances  are  all  given  from  Craig, 
the  county  seat,  and  at  present  the  terminus  of  the  Denver,  Salt  Lake  rail- 
road. This  railroad  will  undoubtedly  soon  be  built  westward  to  Salt  Lake, 
clear  across  the  county,  giving  good  railroad  facilities  to  other  sections,  which 
are  now  remote. 

The  size  of  the  county  is  about  fifty  miles  north  and  south  by  one 
hundred  miles  east  and  west.  The  population  of  Craig,  the  county  seat,  is 
500.  The  population  of  the  entire  county  is  probably  not  in  excess  of  2,500 
people. 


204  Moffat  County 


Very  little  land  has  been  taken  in  this  county.  Less  than  one-third  of 
the  actual  area  having  been  claimed,  leaving  two-thirds  open.  Along  the 
southern  portion  of  the  county  runs  the  divide,  between  the  Bear  and  the 
White  rivers.  This  is  comparatively  a  rugged,  hilly  and  mountainous  district, 
being  interspersed  with  many  fertile  valleys.  The  rest  of  the  county  is 
rolling  with  mesas,  blufFs,  mountains,  etc. 

The  streams  are  well  stocked  with  fish  and  it  is  a  district  where  wild 
Ijeme,  large  and  small,  abounds. 

Township  8  N.,  R.  89  W. — This  township  lies  on  the  southern  slope  of 
Black  mountain  and  Bear's  Ears,  has  a  general  slope  to  the  south  and  south- 
west. The  surface  is  rolling  and  broken,  merging  into  mountain  land  in 
some  sections.  The  soil  is  of  sandy  loam  of  good  texture,  five  to  twenty 
inches  deep  in  the  southern  portion.  In  the  north  the  soil  is  adobe  along 
the  ridges  and  sandy  loam  in  the  bottoms  along  the  creeks  and  gulches. 
During  the  summer  and  spring  months  there  is  flowing  water  in  the  Dry  fork 
of  the  Little  Bear  creek;  in  the  other  seasons  the  stream  is  nearly  dry.  There 
is  no  timber.  The  grass  is  fairly  good.  There  is  some  coal.  Value,  $5  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Distance  from 
railroad,  five  miles. 

Township  9  N.,  R.  89  W. — Most  of  this  township  is  included  in  the 
Routt  national  forest,  and  is  used  as  an  open  range  for  cattle;  grazing  and 
forage  being  abundant.  Placer  gold  is  found  in  small  quantities.  The  soil 
varies  from  a  rich  black  loam  to  hard,  stiflF,  dry  adobe.  Tracts  suitable 
for  cultivation  are  small.  There  is  considerable  timber  in  scattered  dis- 
tricts. There  is  some  surface  water.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Elevation,  7,000  to  9,000  feet.  Distance  from 
railroad,  twelve  miles. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  89  W. — This  township  is  generally  quite  rough  and 
mountainous.  The  soil  is  principally  a  light  sandy  loam,  easy  to  cultivate 
and  very  fertile,  but  in  most  places  quite  rocky.  The  township  is  poorly 
watered,  Slater  creek  being  the  only  stream  of  any  size.  Crops  can  be 
raised  without  irrigation.  There  is  a  good  growth  of  grass  covering  the  en- 
tire township,  affording  good  pasturage  for  cattle.  Elevation,  7,000  to  9,000 
feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  Distance  from 
railroad,  twenty-five  miles. 

Township  12  N.,  R.  89  W. — A  fractional  township  on  the  extreme  north- 
ern border  of  Colorado,  adjoining  the  Wyoming  state  line.  The  greater 
portion  is  rough  and  broken.  There  are  small  strips  of  bottom  land  along 
Slater  creek  and  Little  Snake  river.  There  are  few  living  streams  in  the 
township.  The  soil  is  light  sandy  loam  with  a  clay  or  rocky  subsoil,  very 
fertile.  There  is  some  timber  and  scrub  brush  and  good  grazinig.  This  land 
can  be  farmed  without  irrigation.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value, 
$3.50  to  $10  per  acre.  Distance  from  railroad,  thirty-five  miles.  Elevation, 
6,500  feet. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  90  W. — This  township  is  well  watered  by  many  small 
creeks.  There  are  several  high  ridges  forming  a  divide  between  the  dif- 
ferent creeks.  The  ridges  are  covered  with  brush;  timber  occupying  the 
territory  only  in  spots.  There  are  some  indications  of  coal  and  mineral. 
The  bottom  lands  along  the  creeks  are  narrow.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20 
inches.  Elevation,  7,000  to  9,000  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  eighteen 
miles.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 


MorFAT  County  206 


Township  4  N.,  R.  90  W. — This  township  has  some  good  bottom  land, 
mainly  along  Waddell  creek  and  its  tributaries.  Considerable  aspen  near 
heads  of  gulches,  mostly  young  and  small.  There  are  some  good  hay  ranches 
yet  to  be  taken  up.  Outside  of  the  bottom  lands  the  township  is  rough  and 
only  suitable  for  grazing.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15 
to  20  inches.  Elevation,  6,500  to  8,000  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  twelve 
miles. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  90  W. — ^Williams  fork  of  Bear  river,  which  flows 
through  this  township,  is  a  clear  rapid  stream  bordered  with  a  very  fine 
hay  bottom  nearly  all  the  distance.  The  higher  lands  on  either  side  are 
hilly,  but  not  badly  broken  and  much  of  it  might  be  irrigated,  though  the 
general  elevation  of  the  country  renders  agriculture  very  precarious.  Fair 
grazing  lands  in  the  hills.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation, 
6,500  feet.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.    Distance  from  railroad,  six  miles. 

Township  6  N.,  R.  90  W. — The  Bear  river  crosses  the  northern  portion 
of  the  township,  along  which  is  a  fine  black  sandy  loam.  The  bottom  lands 
are  thickly  settled.  South  of  the  river  the  land  is  rolling  and  broken  in 
places.  It  is  rather  a  dry  section,  but  with  tracts  of  ten  to  one  hundred 
acres  along  the  draws  and  on  the  tops  of  ridges  of  first-class  land  suitable 
for  farming.  The  remainder  is  pasture  land.  A  fairly  good  growth  of 
bluestem  grass  covers  the  rolling  ridges.  No  timber  to  mention.  Some 
coal.  Annual  rainfall,  16  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  This  town- 
ship adjoins  Craig,  the  county  seat  and  railroad  town.  Value,  $3.50  to  $10 
per  acre. 

Township  7  N.,  R.  90  W. — The  Bear  river  and  Elk  Horn  creek  cross  the 
southern  portion  of  this  township.  The  valleys  of  these  streams  have  very 
productive  soil,  but  must  be  irrigated.  There  are  small,  good  tracts  of 
land  on  the  rolling,  broken,  sage  brush  ridges,  suitable  for  cultivation. 
This  township  adjoins  Craig,  the  county  seat,  and  is  crossed  by  railroad. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $5  to  10  per  acre.  Elevation,  6,500 
feet. 

Township  8  N.,  R.  90  W. — Along  Fortification  creek  and  Little  Bear 
creek  and  on  the  mesa  east  of  Fortification  creek  is  good  land,  being  irri- 
gated from  water  flowing  in  the  same  creeks.  All  other  portions  of  the 
township  are  composed  of  high,  rolling  sage  brush  ridges,  the  soil  is  dry  and 
unprotected;  there  are  some  settlers  on  these  high  ridges,  along  which  there 
are  tracts  of  from  10  to  100  acres  with  good  soil.  No  timber,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  a  few  scattering  cottonwoods.  There  is  a  fair  growth  of  blue- 
stem  grass  found  on  the  ridges,  being  a  very  rich  feed  for  cattle  and  horses. 
Value,  $5  to  10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Distance  from 
Craig,  the  county  seat  and  railroad  town,  six  miles.      Elevation,  6,500  feet. 

Township  9  N.,  R.  90  W. — This  township  consists  of  rolling  and  hilly 
land.  The  northeastern  portion  being  rough  and  hilly  and  the  southwest- 
ern portion  being  rolling,  with  a  sandy  loam  soil,  together  with  some  stiff 
adobe.  Either  of  these  soils  are  very  fertile  when  irrigated.  The  adobe 
soil  produces  crops  without  irrigation.  This  township  is  covered  with  a 
fair  growth  of  grass  for  grazing.  There  is  some  timber.  Poorly  watered, 
being  but  few  streams  and  they  dry  during  the  summer  months.  There  are 
a  few  springs  scattered  over  the  township.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Distance  from  railroad,  twelve  miles.  Elevation, 
6,500  to  7,500  feet. 

Township  10  N.,  R.  90  W. — The  land  is  generally  rough  and  mountain- 
ous.    The   eastern  half  of  the  township   is  included   in  the  Routt  national 


206  Moffat  County 


forest.  The  township  is  fairly  well  watered  by  Four  Mile  creek  and  Fortifica- 
tion creek,  both  containing  considerable  flood  water  which  is  not  utilized. 
Good  grass  found  over  most  of  the  township  and  considerable  timber  in 
portions.  The  soil,  for  the  most  part,  is  a  light,  dry,  sandy  loam.  This  is 
principally  a  grazing  country.  Some  placer  gold  mining.  Value,  $5  to  $8 
per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  6,500  to  8,000  feet. 
Distance  from  railroad,  eighteen  miles. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  90  W. — This  township,  with  the  exception  of  the 
northwestern  corner,  is  rough  and  hilly.  The  slopes  are  steep  and  rough, 
and  in  many  places  strewn  with  boulders  of  lava  and  basaltic  rock.  Willow 
creek  is  the  principal  stream.  The  soil  consists  of  light  sandy  loam,  a  black 
loam,  and  adobe.  The  sandy  loam  on  the  mesas  is  very  fertile  when  irri- 
gated. There  is  some  timber,  and  a  fair  growth  of  grass  is  found  through- 
out the  township.  The  eastern  portion  of  this  township  is  included  in  the 
Routt  national  forest.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20 
inches.  Elevation,  6,500  to  8,000  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  twenty-five 
miles. 

Township  12  N.,  R.  90  W. — Most  of  this  township  is  broken,  hilly  land, 
covered  with  rocky  soil  strewn  with  lava  boulders.  The  northwestern  por- 
tion, however,  consists  of  low  mesas,  separated  by  broad  gulches;  the  soil 
on  these  being  of  a  light,  dry,  sandy  loam  four  to  twelve  inches  deep,  with 
clay  or  rocky  subsoil.  There  is  timber  on  the  high  slopes,  while  the  mesas 
and  low  lands  are  covered  with  a  dense  growth  of  sage  brush.  Principally 
grazing  lands,  but  there  are  some  agricultural  lands  in  the  township.  Value, 
$5  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  6,500  feet. 
Distance  from  railroad,  thirty  miles. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  91  W.— The  surface  of  this  township  is  chiefly  hilly 
and  broken  by  deep  ravines.  The  soil  varies  from  first  to  fourth  rate,  being 
difficult  to  cultivate  without  irrigation.  There  are  narrow  valleys  along 
the  mountain  streams,  but  not  enough  water  to  irrigate  them.  The  tim- 
ber is  aspen,  spruce  and  cottonwood,  a  great  deal  of  fallen  and  burnt  spruce 
and   aspen   in    the    southern    and    eastern   portions   of   the   township.     Good 

fazing  land.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.     Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches, 
levation,  7,000  to  8,500  feet.     Distance  from  railroad,   twenty  miles. 

Township  4  N.,  R.  91  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  hilly,  rough 
and  broken  with  narrow  valleys  alon^  Deer  creek.  The  hills  are  covered 
with  dense  undergrowth  and  show  indications  of  being  underlaid  with  coal. 
The  main  water  courses  are  Deer  creek  and  Moore  rapids,  which  furnish 
water  part  of  the  summer  for  irrigating  purposes  for  the  settlers  in  the 
township.  Annual  rainfall,  15  inches.  Elevation,  6,500  to  8,500  feet.  Value, 
$3.50  to  $5  per  acre.     Distance  from  railroad,  twelve  miles. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  91  W. — This  township  is  especially  well  watered, 
being  crossed  by  Williams  river,  along  which  there  are  valuable  hay  lands. 
There  is  fine  grazing  along  the  gulches  and  brooks  that  traverse  the  town- 
ship. There  is  scattering  cedar  timber,  valuable  for  fence  posts  and  building 
purposes.  Annual  rainfall,  15  inches.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Distance  from 
railroad,  six  miles.    Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  6  N.,  R.  91  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rather  rough 
and  rolling.  It  is  crossed  by  the  Bear  river,  along  which  there  is  a  fine  val- 
ley; but  all  taken  up.  Some  good  soil  in  other  portions  of  the  township, 
very  productive  if  irrigated.  There  are  some  good  coal  lands.  Not  very  much 
timber.  This  township  adjoins  Craig,  the  county  seat,  and  railroad.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  inches.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.    Elevation,  6,500  feet. 


Moffat  County  207 


Township  7  N.,  R.  91  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  generally  high 
and  rolling.  Sage  brush  covers  the  ridges.  The  soil  is  quite  dry;  there 
being  patches  of  from  10  to  200  acres  of  land  suitable  for  cultivation.  There 
is  a  fair  growth  of  bluestem  and  bunch  grass  on  the  rolling  ridges  an^  in 
the  gulches.  The  township  is  poorly  watered  and  the  water  contains  alkali. 
This  township  adjoins  Craig,  the  county  seat  and  terminus  of  the  railroad. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Value,  $3.50  to  $10 
per  acre. 

Township  8  N.,  R.  91  W. — This  township  is  composed  of  low,  rolling 
sage  brush  ridges.  Big  gulch  extends  from  the  north  to  south  through  the 
western  portion  and  contains  little  water;  the  soil  in  the  gulch  bottom  is 
very  good.  The  township,  generally  speaking,  is  poorly  watered  and  con- 
tains no  timber.  It  is  covered  with  a  fair  growth  of  bluestem  grass  in  the 
draws  and  along  the  hillsides.  The  soil  in  general  is  a  sandy  loam.  There 
are  tracts  of  from  10  to  100  acres  of  good  farming  land,  especially  if  placed 
under  irrigation.  This  township  is  located  six  miles  from  railroad.  Annual 
rainfall,  12  inches.    Elevation,  6,500  feet.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  9  N.,  R.  91  W. — This  township  covers  a  broad  rolling  basin. 
The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam  and  adobe.  Either  of  these  is  very  fertile  when 
irrigated,  although  the  loam  is  much  more  fertile  and  more  readily  cul- 
tivated than  the  adobe.  Approximately  two-thirds  of  the  township  is  suit- 
able for  cultivation.  Water  is  scarce,  there  being  a  few  places  along  Blue 
Gravel  gulch  where  the  water  comes  to  the  surface  and  flows  along  the 
sandy  bed  for  a  short  distance.  It  can,  however,  be  obtained  in  the  bed  of 
this  gulch  at  from  one  to  four  feet  below  the  surface.  There  is  some  dry 
farming  carried  on  in  this  district.  Grazing  good.  Placer  gold  is  found  in 
many  of  the  gulches  and  along  Fortification  creek.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  12  to  18  inches.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Distance 
from  railroad,  twelve  miles. 

Township  10  N.,  R.  91  W. — This  township  consists  of  low,  rolling  sage 
brush  covered  hills.  Many  of  the  sloping  hills  from  the  divide  between  Lit- 
tle Snake  and  Bear  rivers  can  be  readily  cultivated,  being  covered  with  the 
best  soil.  The  snowfall  is  light  and  the  winters  mild.  Generally,  the  soil 
is  a  sandy  loam  and  adobe,  the  former  being  very  fertile,  producing  ex- 
cellent crops  with  irrigation  and  some  crops  without.  This  township  is 
poorly  watered,  there  being  but  few  springs  and  small  creeks.  Grazing  is 
fairly  good.  Placer  gold  is  found  in  almost  all  parts.  Very  little  timber. 
Annual  rainfall,  5  to  10  inches.  Elevation,  6,500  to  7,000  feet.  Distance 
from  railroad,  eighteen  miles.     Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  91  W. — This  township  consists  of  a  group  of  low, 
rolling  hills  and  mesas,  many  of  them  suitable  for  cultivation.  The  snow- 
fall is  light  and  the  winters  not  severe.  The  soil  consists  of  sandy  loam  and 
adobe.  Good  crops  with  irrigation  and  some  without.  It  is  a  poorly  watered 
township,  as  springs  are  very  scarce.  No  timber  and  a  heavy  growth  of  sage 
brush  and  a  fairly  good  stand  of  bluestem  grass,  the  latter  affording  good 
grazing.  Placer  gold  found  in  all  the  gulches.  With  irrigation  this  would 
be  very  valuable  land.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.     Elevation,  6,500  feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  twenty-five  miles. 

Township  12  N.,  R.  91  W. — This  township  consists  of  low  rolling  ridges 
and  mesas,  watered  by  Four  Mile  creek  and  Timberlake  gulch,  the  land 
sloping  gently  down  to  these  two  creeks  from  the  surrounding  mesa  lands, 
many  of  the  mesas  being  susceptible  to  cultivation.  Snowfall  light  and 
the  winters  mild.     The  soil  consists  of  sandy  loam  and  adobe,  the  former 


208  Moffat  County 


being  very  fertile  and  crops  of  some  kind  can  be  raised  without  irrigation. 
Placer  gold  is  found  throughout.  There  is  not  much  water.  Value,  $5  to  $8 
per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Distance 
from  railroad,  thirty  miles. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  92  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  decidedly 
hilly,  adapted  only  to  grazing,  except  along  portions  of  Milk  Creek  valley  and 
some  of  the  lower  mesa  lands,  which  are  suitable  for  agriculture,  consider- 
able being  already  under  cultivation.  The  soil  is  fertile  and  produces  heavy 
crops  under  irrigation.  Supply  of  water  limited,  but  could  be  easily  sup- 
plemented by  storage  reservoirs.  In  some  portions  water  is  obtained  from 
small  lakes  or  ponds.  Not  much  timber,  but  considerable  brush.  Some  coal 
outcroppings.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Value, 
$5  to  $10  per  acre.     Distance  from  railroad,  eighteen  miles. 

Township  4  N.,  R.  92  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  hilly  and 
rolling.  Not  much  timber.  The  lands  throughout  the  township,  except 
those  that  have  been  cultivated,  are  covered  with  a  dense  undergrowth  of 
sage,  oak  and  service  brush  and  produce  plenty  of  good  grass.  Considerable 
mesa  and  creek  bottom  land  is  adapted  for  agriculture  and  a  portion  of  it 
already  cultivated.  The  rest  of  the  land  in  the  township  is  well  suited  for 
grazing.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 6,500  feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  fifteen  miles. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  92  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  mostly  rough 
and  hilly.  A  narrow  strip  along  the  southern  boundary  and  small  portion 
of  the  bottom  along  Bear  river  is  agricultural  land.  Valuable  coal  in  this 
township.  Good  grass  and  considerable  scrub  timber.  Value,  $3.50  to  $8 
per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Distance  from  railroad,  ten 
miles.     Elevation,  6,500   feet. 

Township  6  N.,  R.  92  W. — The  surface  of  most  of  this  township  is  hilly 
and  adapted  only  to  grazing  and  the  production  of  coal,  indications  of  the 
latter  being  numerous.  The  lands,  locally  known  as  Round  bottom,  in  Bear 
river  and  in  the  southeastern  portion  of  the  township,  are  suitable  for  agri- 
culture, but  only  a  small  portion  is  being  cultivated.  Some  scrub  timber 
on  the  bluffs  and  ridges  in  the  southern  portion.  Throughout  the  township 
there  is  a  dense  undergrowth  of  small  brush.  There  are  some  springs.  Value, 
$3,50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  6,000  feet. 
Distance  from  railroad,  five  miles. 

Township  7  N.,  R.  92  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  hilly,  suitable 
only  for  grazing,  excepting  along  the  gulch  bottoms,  where  there  is  a  por- 
tion adapted  to  agriculture,  already  partially  cultivated.  This  township  is 
almost  devoid  of  timber.  The  soil  is  sandy  and  produces  an  abundance  of 
grass  and  a  dense  undergrowth  of  sage,  greasewood  and  rabbit  brush. 
There  are  some  indications  of  coal  in  the  northern  portion.  A  small  amount 
of  placer  gold  is  found  along  Big  gulch.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  six  miles.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5 
per  acre. 

Township  8  N.,  R.  92  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  hilly  and 
adapted  to  grazing.  There  is  an  abundance  of  grass.  No  timber  to  speak 
of.  Lands  covered  with  a  dense  growth  of  underbrush.  The  soil  is  sandy, 
the  principal  drainage  being  toward  the  south  into  Big  gulch  and  its  tribu- 
taries. Placer  gold  is  found  throughout  the  township.  Annual  rainfall,  10 
to  15  inches.  Elevation,  6,500  to  7,000  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  ten 
miles.     Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 


Moffat  County  209 


Township  9  N.,  R.  92  W. — This  is  a  mountainous  township  lying  in  the 
the  Iron  Springs  divide.  These  lands  are  devoid  of  timber  and  covered 
with  a  dense  undergrowth  of  sage  and  rabbit  brush.  There  are  few  springs 
in  the  township,  but  these  yield  an  ample  supply  of  water  for  stock,  and  good 
native  grasses  are  abundant.  Placer  gold  is  found  throughout  the  township. 
A  portion  of  this  township  might  be  farmed.  Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  7,000  feet.  Distance  from  rail- 
road, fifteen  miles. 

Township  10  N.,  R.  92  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  hilly  and 
rolling  in  character  and  is  covered  with  brush  and  good  rich  grasses.  The 
soil  is  sandy  and  carries  a  small  amount  of  flour  gold,  which  is  being  mined 
in  some  places  with  moderate  success.  No  timber  of  note.  Value,  $3.50  to 
$5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Dis- 
tance from  railroad,  twenty  miles. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  92  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  uneven, 
containing  large,  high  mesas  and  broad,  flat  ridges,  covered  with  a  dense 
undergrowth  of  sage  and  rabbit  brush.  There  is  a  little  scrub  timber  on 
some  of  the  ridges  in  the  northwestern  portion  of  the  township.  These 
lands  are  adapted  to  grazing,  grass  being  plentiful  except  in  the  dry  season. 
The  soil  is  fertile  and  is  capable  of  producting  good  crops  when  irrigated. 
Placer  gold  is  found.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.     Elevation,  6,000  feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  thirty  miles. 

Township  12  N.,  R.  92  W.— The  lands  in  the  southern  half  of  the  town- 
ship are  hilly  and  adapted  only  to  grazing.  The  northern  portion  lies  along 
the  bottoms  of  Four  Mile  creek  and  Little  Snake  river,  and  much  of  it  is 
suitable  for  farming,  considerable  being  now  under  cultivation.  The  soil 
varies  greatly  in  different  parts  of  the  township,  but  is  usually  fertile,  and 
produces  a  dense  growth  or  small  brush  and  good  grass.  There  is  some  cot- 
tonwood  timber  along  the  streams,  and  some  scrub  cedar  on  the  hills  in  the 
southern  portion.  Placer  gold  found  throughout  the  township.  Value,  $3.50 
to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  0,000  feet. 
Distance    from   railroad,   thirty-five   miles. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  93  W. — This  township  lies  on  the  northern  slope  of 
the  divide  between  White  and  Bear  rivers  and  is  a  rugged  mountainous 
country  throughout,  adapted  to  grazing,  with  the  exception  of  narrow  strips 
along  the  creek  bottoms,  where  some  land  is  being  cultivated.  There  is  some 
aspen  timber  in  the  higher  portions  of  the  township  and  some  scrub  cedar 
and  pinon  on  the  ridges  and  bluffs  in  the  northern  portion.  This  township 
is  underlaid  with  coal,  but  no  openings  of  importance  have  been  made,  ex- 
cept the  Collom  mine  in  the  northern  part  of  section  2.  Distance  from 
railroad,  eighteen  miles.  Elevation,  6,500  to  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall, 
10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  4  N.,  R.  93  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  broken  and 
mountainous,  excepting  the  part  lying  in  Axial  basin,  being  broken  by 
ridges  having  a  northeastern  trend  and  cut  by  deep  ravines  and  gulches, 
draining  to  the  north  and  east  into  Milk  creek,  which  is  tributary  to  Bear 
river.  There  is  quite  a  large  area  of  agricultural  land  in  Axial  basin  and 
along  the  creek  valleys,  much  of  which  is  in  a  high  state  of  cultivation, 
being  irrigated  with  water  taken  from  the  creeks.  There  is  no  timber  ex- 
cept occasional  patches  of  scrub  cedar.  Dense  undergrowth  of  sage  brush 
and  service  and  scrub  oak  brush  on  the  mountains  and  higher  benches.  Tiie 
high  lands  are  ideal  for  grazing  purposes,  as  both  water  for  stock  and  good 
grasses  are  abundant.     Some  large  seams  of  coal  have  been  opened.     Annual 


210  Moffat  County 


rainfall,    10  to   15   inches.     Elevation,   7,000  to   8,000   feet.     Distance    from 
railroad,  eighteen  mile*.    Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  93  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  hilly  in  char- 
acter, and  is  adapted  principally  to  grazing.  There  are  some  good  meadows 
in  the  gulch  bottoms  and  much  mesa  land  suitable  for  agriculture  if  sup- 
plied with  water.  Bear  river  crosses  the  northeastern  corner  of  the  town- 
ship in  a  canyon.  There  is  very  little  timber.  Coal  also  exists  in  the 
township.  The  surface  is  generally  covered  with  a  dense  undergrowth  of 
scrub  brush  and  good  grass  is  plentiful.  Distance  from  railroad,  fifteen 
miles.  Value,  $6  to  $15  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 6,000  feet. 

Township  6  N.,  R.  93  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  hill^  and 
adapted  chiefly  to  grazing  and  coal  mining.  There  is  some  farming  m  the 
southwestern  portion.  Bear  river  crosses  the  township  and  runs  in  a  canyon 
most  of  the  way,  the  walls  of  which  are  steep  and  rugged.  There  is  very 
little  timber  and  what  there  is  consists  chiefly  of  scrub  cedar.  There  is 
a  dense  growth  of  brush  and  good  grass  is  plentiful.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to 
15  inches.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  twelve  miles. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  7  N.,  R.  93  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  generally 
broken  and  partially  hilly.  There  is  considerable  land  suitable  for  agricul- 
ture on  the  creek  bottoms.  Water  is  scarce  and  hay  is  the  principal  crop. 
The  streams  crossing  this  township  go  dry  in  the  summer.  Very  little  tim- 
ber, but  a  considerable  undergrowth  of  brush.  The  hills,  particularly  in  the 
southern  portion,  are  underlaid  with  a  good  quality  of  coal.  Placer  gold  is 
also  found.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,   6,000  feet.     Distance   from  railroad,   twelve   miles. 

Township  8  N.,  R.  93  W. — The  surface  is  hilly  and  rolling.  Considerable 
good  agricultural  land,  if  water  could  be  had.  The  soil  is  generally  sandy 
and  sufficiently  fertile  to  produce  a  dense  undergrowth  of  brush  and  an 
abundance  of  good  grass.  Water  is  scarce  and  therefore  the  lands  are  best 
suited  for  winter  range  for  stock.  Sands  throughout  the  township  are 
gold  bearing,  some  bars  along  Lay  creek  being  especially  rich  in  placer  gold. 
Very  little  timber  in  the  township.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Distance  from  railroad, 
fifteen  miles. 

Township  9  N.,  R.  93  W. — The  lands  are  high  and  mountainous  in 
character  and  devoid  of  timber  except  a  small  clump  of  aspens  in  Section  13. 
This  township  is  located  on  what  is  known  as  Iron  Springs  divide.  There 
are  a  few  good  springs  in  the  township.  The  soil  is  fertile  and  produces  a 
dense  undergrowth  of  sagebrush  and  an  abundance  of  good  grass,  the  lands 
being  adapted  only  to  grazing.  Considerable  prospecting  for  placer  gold, 
with  favorable  results,  but  lack  of  water  prevents  systematic  working  of 
the  ground.  This  township  is  not  recommended  for  farming.  Distance  from 
railroad,  eighteen  miles.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10 
to  15  inches.    Elevation,  6,500  to  7,000  feet. 

Township  10  N.,  R.  93  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  high  and 
mountainous,  lying  on  the  northern  slope  of  the  Iron  Springs  divide.  Is 
drained  by  Big  Hole  and  Scandinavian  gulches,  the  slope  being  generally 
toward  the  northwest.  There  are  several  good  springs  in  the  township, 
affording  ample  supply  of  water  for  stock,  while  the  lands  produce  an 
abundance  of  grass.  No  timber  to  speak  of.  Placer  gold  is  found  in  parts 
of  the  township,  but  lack  of  water  prevents  extensive  working.     Distance 


Moffat  County  211 


from  railroad,  twenty-five  miles.     Annual  rainfall,  10  to  16  inches.     Eleva- 
tion, 6,800  feet.    Value,  $3.60  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  93  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  mountain- 
ous and  devoid  of  timber  except  in  the  northern  part.  It  is  covered  with  a 
dense  undergrowth  of  brush  and  produces  plenty  of  grass,  which,  with 
numerous  springs,  make  it  an  excellent  grazing  country.  Some  placer  gold 
is  found.  Distance  from  railroad,  thirty  miles.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  16 
inches.     Elevation,  6,500  feet.     Value,  $3.60  to  $6  per  acre. 

Township  12  N.,  R.  93  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  hilly,  ex- 
cept in  the  extreme  northeastern  corner,  which  lies  in  the  Little  Snake 
river  bottom.  Cultivation  is  being  carried  on  along  the  river  bottom. 
There  is  quite  an  area  of  mesa  and  bottom  land  in  the  township,  which  is 
capable  of  cultivation,  if  it  could  be  supplied  with  water.  Little  Snake 
river  furnishes  an  abundance  of  water  during  the  spring  and  early  sum- 
mer, but  the  river  is  practically  dry  by  the  middle  of  summer.  There 
is  very  little  timber  and  that  being  scrub.  Some  placer  gold  is  found.  Dis- 
tance from  railroad,  thirty-five  miles.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  6,000  feet.     Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  94  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  generally 
rough  and  broken.  The  divide  between  the  Bear  and  the  White  rivers 
crosses  the  southern  portion  of  the  township.  There  is  considerable  aspen 
timber  found  along  on  and  near  the  divide,  while  some  cedar  and  pinon 
is  found  in  the  lower  altitudes.  An  excellent  grazing  township,  as  it 
produces  an  abundance  of  various  grasses  and  sage  brush.  Value,  $3.60  to 
$8  per  acre.  Distance  from  railroad,  twenty-five  miles.  Annual  rainfall, 
10  to  15  inches.     Elevation,  7,500  feet. 

Township  4  N.,  R.  94  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rough  and 
broken.  The  long  ridges  extending  from  the  Bear-White  rivers'  divide,  cross 
in  a  general  northeasterly  direction,  with  precipitous  slopes,  except  some 
lower  hills  and  gentler  slopes  along  Morgan  gulch.  The  whole  township  is 
covered  with  an  abundant  growth  of  nutritious  grasses,  making  it  an 
ideal  grazing  district.  There  is  very  little  timber.  Coal  is  found  in  this 
township.  Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  6,500  feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  twenty-five  miles. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  94  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  hilly,  adapted 
to  grazing.  There  is  some  land  in  the  bottoms  of  the  main  gulches  and 
on  some  of  the  mesas  which  would  be  excellent  for  agricultural  purposes, 
but  needs  irrigating.  Some  scrub  timber  in  the  northern  and  western  por- 
tions and  in  the  southwestern  portion.  The  rest  of  the  township  is  devoid 
of  timber,  but  covered  with  a  dense  undergrowth  of  brush.  Good  springs 
are  scarce,  but  there  is  enough  water  for  stock  and  grass  is  abundant 
and  of  excellent  quality.  Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall, 
15   inches.     Elevation,   6,000   feet.     Distance   from  railroad,   twenty  miles. 

Township  6  N.,  R.  94  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  mostly 
mountainous,  crossed  by  Bear  river,  along  which  there  are  some  fine  bot- 
tom lands,  already  cultivated.  Some  scattering  scrub  timber  and  a  great 
deal  of  small  brush.  The  mountainous  lands  are  adapted  to  grazing,  good 
grass  being  plentiful.  The  medicinal  Juniper  Hot  springs  are  located  on 
the  south  bank  of  Bear  river  about  the  center  of  the  township.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Distance  from  railroad, 
eighteen  miles.     Value,  $3.60  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  7  N.,  R.  94  W.— The  surface  of  this  township  is  generally 
mou»t«i^nous  i  "well  suited  for  grazing.     Along  Lay  creek  bottom  there  is  a 


212  Moffat  County 


small  area  suitable  for  farming.  A  little  scrub  timber.  An  abundant 
growth  of  good  grasses.  Numerous  indications  of  coal.  Distance  from 
railroad,  eighteen  miles.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  6,000 
feet.    Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  8  N.,  R.  94  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling  and 
hilly,  adapted  only  to  stock  raising;  some  of  the  mesas  and  gulch  bot- 
tom lands  could  be  cultivated,  however,  if  supplied  with  water.  The 
tpwnship  lies  largely  on  the  southern  slope  of  Iron  Springs  divide,  and 
drains  generally  toward  the  south  and  west  into  Spring  creek  and  its 
tributaries.  The  soil  is  sandy  and  produces  grasses  in  abundance.  There 
is  a  dense  undergrowth  of  brush;  very  little  timber,  and  what  there  is  con- 
sists entirely  of  scrub  cedar.  There  is  a  good  spring  in  Section  29,  also 
occasional  pools  of  standing  water  in  the  bed  of  Spring  creek,  but  no  run- 
ning water.  Placer  gold  found  throughout  the  township  in  small  quantities; 
also  coal.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,   6,500   feet.     Distance   from  railroad,  twenty-miles. 

Township  9  N.,  R.  94  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  mountainous 
in  character  and  covered  for  the  most  part  with  a  dense  undergrowth  of 
sage  brush.  Good  grass  and  water  abound  throughout  the  township,  making 
it  an  excellent  grazing  country.  No  timber  of  any  note.  The  township  is 
traversed  by  the  divide  between  Bear  and  Snake  rivers  and  is  known  as  the 
Iron  Springs  divide.  Distance  from  railroad,  twenty-five  miles.  Elevation, 
6,500  feet.     Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  10  N.,  R.  94  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  moun- 
tainous, lying  on  both  sides  of  the  divide  between  Greaswood  and  Big  Hole 
gulches,  the  drainage  being  north  and  west  into  Little  Snake  river.  No 
timber  in  the  township;  the  lands  are  covered  with  a  dense  undergrowth  of 
sage  and  rabbit  brusn.  The  soil  is  sandy  and  fertile.  Springs  are  suf- 
ficiently numerous  to  make  this  an  excellent  grazing  country.  Much  of  the 
mesa  and  bottom  lands  suitable  for  agriculture.  Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Distance 
from  railroad,  thirty  miles. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  94  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  hilly  and 
rolling.  A  dense  undergrowth  of  brush.  Good  grass;  water  plentiful 
throughout  the  township.  Excellent  grazing  district.  No  timber  of  any 
note.  Distance  from  railroad,  thirty-five  miles.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  An- 
nual rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  12  N.,  R.  94  W. — There  are  agricultural  lands  along  the  Lit- 
tle Snake  river  bottom.  The  rest  of  the  township  is  hilly  and  suitable 
only  for  grazing.  During  the  early  spring  months  the  river  carries  a 
large  amount  of  water,  but  during  the  summer  months  it  is  practically  dry. 
Scattering  scrub  timber,  also  a  dense  undergrowth  of  brush.  Placer 
gold  found  in  this  township.  Value,  $3.50  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  thirty- 
eight  miles. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  95  W.— The  surface  of  this  township  is  rougli  and 
broken.  The  Bear-White  River  divide  crosses  the  eastern  part  of  the 
township  and  evtends  in  a  general  northwesterly  direction.  Considerable 
aspen  timber  is  found  on  the  divide.  There  is  a  heavy  growth  of  brush 
and  an  abundance  of  good  grasses  of  various  kinds.  This  is  a  fine  grazing 
district.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  $15  inches. 
Elevation,  7,000  feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  thirty  miles. 


Moffat  County  218 


Township  4  N.,  R.  95  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rough  and 
broken  throughout.  The  divide  between  the  Bear  and  the  White  rivers 
crosses  in  a  general  northwesterly  direction,  and  is  covered  with  a  dense 
undergrowth  of  sage  and  other  brush;  some  timber;  fine  grass,  making 
this  an  excellent  grazing  district.  There  are  considerable  coal  cropping 
along  the  northern  edge  of  the  township  and  a  coal  bank  in  Section  29. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation, 
7,000  to  8,000  feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  thirty  miles. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  95  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rough  and 
hilly  in  character  and  the  lands  are  of  value  only  for  grazing  and  possibly 
the  production  of  coal,  indications  of  which  are  numerous  in  the  southern 
portions  of  the  township.  The  soil  is  fertile  and  produces  a  dense  under- 
growth of  service,  oak,  buck  and  sage  brush  and  good  grass.  Water  is 
scarce  and  therefore  these  lands  are  best  suited  for  winter  range.  There 
is  but  little  timber  in  the  township,  a  few  groves  of  young  aspens  in  the 
southern  part  and  some  scrub  cedars  on  the  ridges.  There  is  natural  meadow 
land  in  Temple  canyon,  in  Sections  28  and  33,  which  produces  a  good  crop 
of  native  hay.  Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  6,500  feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  twenty-five  miles. 

Township  6  N.,  R.  95  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  hilly  and  suit- 
able only  for  grazing,  except  along  the  valleys  of  Deception  creek  and  a 
small  area  along  Bear  river  bottoms.  A  storage  reservoir  is  being  con- 
structed in  the  southeastern  corner  of  the  township,  by  means  of  which 
the  lands  along  Deception  creek  will  be  irrigated.  Scrub  timber  in  some 
parts  of  the  township.  Good  grass  everywhere.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Distance  from 
railroad,  twenty-five  miles. 

Township  7  N.,  R.  95  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  in  the  northern 
and  eastern  portions,  is  hilly  and  adapted  only  to  grazing  and  coal  mining. 
Along  Bear  river  is  a  wide  and  fertile  bottom  covered  with  scrub  cedar 
timber.  The  low  lands  are  covered  with  a  dense  undergrowth  of  brush  and 
produces  good  grass.  Some  coal  is  being  mined  in  the  northeastern  por- 
tion of  the  township.  The  soil  is  sandy,  but  very  productive.  Value,  $3.50 
to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  6,000  feet. 
Distance  from  railroad,  twenty-five  miles. 

Township  8  N.,  R.  95  W. — This  township  is  hilly  in  character  and  prin- 
cipally adapted  to  grazing.  Along  Spring  creek  there  is  some  natural 
meadows  and  a  small  amount  of  land  is  being  cultivated.  This  township 
lies  on  the  southern  slope  of  the  divide,  between  the  Bear  and  Little  Snake 
rivers.  The  soil  is  sandy  and  sufficiently  fertile  to  produce  a  good  growth 
of  dense  underbrush  and  good  grasses.  Water  is  scarce.  Very  little  timber. 
There  are  some  indications  of  coal  in  the  southern  portion.  Some  placer 
gold  found  throughout  the  township.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Distance  from 
railroad,  twenty-five  miles.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $5  per 
acre. 

Township  9  N.,  R.  95  W. — The  lands  in  this  township  are  hilly,  lying 
on  the  northern  slope  of  the  divide  between  the  Bear  and  Little  Snake  rivers. 
Water  is  scarce.  The  township  is  an  excellent  winter  range,  good  grazing 
being  abundant.  Distance  from  railroad,  twenty-eight  miles.  Elevation, 
6,600  feet.     Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  10  N.,  R.  95  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  hilly,  con- 
sisting largely  of  flat  ridges  and  rolling  mesas,  lying  on  the  northern  slo^e 
of  the  divide  between  Bear  and  Little  Snake  rivers.     These  lands  are  devoid 


214  Moffat  County 


of  timber,  but  are  covered  with  a  dense  undergrowth  of  brush  with  a 
growth  of  greasewood  and  willows.  Water  is  scarce  in  the  township,  but 
good  grass  abounds.  Distance  from  railroad,  thirty-miles.  Elevation,  6,500 
feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  95  W. — The  lands  in  this  township  are  rolling  and 
hilly,  covered  with  a  dense  undergrowth  of  sage  brush  and  greasewood. 
Little  Snake  river  runs  through  the  northwestern  portion.  This  township 
is  well  watered  and  produces  an  abundant  growth  of  good  grass,  making  it 
an  excellent  grazing  country.  Some  good  agricultural  lands  are  to  be  found 
along  Little  Snake  River  bottom.  There  are  a  great  many  large  mesas  along 
either  side  of  Little  Snake  river,  which  would  make  good  agricultural  land 
if  watered.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Distance  from  Craig,  nearest  railroad 
point,  thirty-three  miles.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to 
$10  per  acre. 

Township  12  N.,  R.  95  W. — Surface  is  hilly  in  character  and  adapted  only 
to  grazing,  excepting  in  the  southeast  portion  where  there  is  considerable 
land  along  the  Little  Snake  river  bottom  which  is  suitable  for  agriculture, 
none  of  which  is  being  cultivated.  Some  scrub  timber  in  the  northwest  por- 

Eortion.  This  township  is  naturally  covered  with  a  dense  undergrowth  of 
rush  and  greasewood.  Water  is  scarce  except  along  the  river.  This  stream 
carries  a  large  body  of  water  in  the  spring  but  is  nearly  dry  in  the  summer. 
Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Distance  from  Craig,  the  county  seat  and  nearest  rail- 
road point,  thirty-eight  miles.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $3.50 
to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  96  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  generally  hilly; 
but  in  the  Indian  valley  and  the  valley  of  Deep  Channel  creek,  there  are 
lands  that  could  be  irrigated.  Elevation,  6,500  to  8,000  feet.  Distance  from 
Craig,  nearest  railroad  point,  thirty-five  miles.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  4  N.,  R.  96  W. — The  northern  portion  of  this  township  in- 
cludes Danforth  hills,  and  is  quite  hilly;  the  southern  portion  along  Deep 
Channel  creek  and  its  tributaries  is  more  level,  and  there  is  a  small  area  of 
land  here  adapted  to  agriculture.  Springs  of  water  in  many  of  the  gulches 
makes  it  an  excellent  cattle  country.  Some  scattering  timber.  Elevation, 
7,000  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  thirty-two  miles.  Rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  96  W. — This  township  lies  on  the  northern  slope  of  the 
Danforth  hills,  and  drained  by  Deception  creek.  The  surface  is  generally 
rolling,  hilly  and  broken.  Most  of  it  is  suitable  only  for  grazing  although 
some  mesas  and  gulch  bottoms  would  be  very  productive,  if  irrigated,  as  the 
soil  is  generally  fertile  and  produces  good  natural  grass.  There  are  several 
springs  in  the  township  and  running  water  in  several  of  the  gulches.  Indi- 
cations of  coal.  Elevation,  6,500  to  7,500  feet.  Distance  from  Craig,  the 
nearest  railroad  point,  thirty  miles.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value, 
$3.50  per  acre. 

Township  6  N.,  R.  96  W. — A  rolling,  hilly  township  consisting  largely  of 
sand  dunes  and  ridges.  Many  deep  cuts  have  been  formed  by  the  action  of 
the  wind;  the  lands  are  covered  with  a  dense  undergrowth  of  brush,  which 
prevents  the  sand  from  drifting  to  any  great  extent.  The  soil  is  fertile  and 
produces  native  grass  in  abundance,  making  it  an  excellent  grazing  country. 
Some  lands  in  the  bottoms  are  suitable  for  agriculture,  if  supplied  with 
water.  Distance  from  Craig,  the  nearest  railroad  point,  thirty  miles.  Eleva- 
tion, 6,000  to  6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to  $10 
per  acre. 


MoFFAi'  County  215 


Township  7  N.,  R.  96  W. — This  township  is  crossed  by  the  Bear  river; 
along  the  river  there  is  a  valley  suitable  for  agriculture.  The  rest  of  the 
township  is  hilly  and  adapted  principally  to  grazing.  There  are  some  mesa 
lands.  The  soil  is  a  good  sandy  loam  that  could  be  farmed  if  irrigated  and 
might  be  successfully  farmed  without.  This  township  contains  a  considera- 
ble growth  of  scrub  timber  and  good  native  grass.  Distance  from  Craig,  the 
nearest  railroad  point,  thirty  miles.  Eelvation,  6,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall, 
10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  8  N.,  R.  96  W. — This  township  is  on  the  divide  between  the 
Snake  and  the  Bear  rivers.  Elevation,  6,000  to  7,000  feet.  The  soil  is  of  poor 
quality  and  suitable  only  for  grazing.  The  surface  is  generally  hilly.  Dis- 
tance from  Craig,  the  nearest  railroad  point,  thirty-two  miles.  Annual  rain- 
fail,  10  to  16  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  9  N.,  R.  96  W. — This  township  is  crossed  by  the  Snake  river. 
There  is  fine  soil  along  the  valley  of  this  stream;  outside  of  the  river  bottom, 
the  surface  is  hilly  with  bluffs.  Distance  from  Craig,  the  nearest  railroad 
point,  thirty- three  miles.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $12  per  acre. 

Township  10  N.,  R.  96  W. — This  township  is  crossed  by  the  Snake  river, 
along  which  there  is  a  very  fertile  valley,  easily  irrigated;  outside  of  the  level 
bottoms,  the  surface  is  hilly,  with  considerable  timber.  This  is  an  excellent 
grazing  district.  Distance  from  Craig,  the  nearest  railroad  point,  thirty- five 
miles.    Elevation,  6,000  feet.    Value,  $3,50  to  $12  per  acre. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  96  W. — The  Snake  river  crosses  the  southeast  corner 
of  this  township,  along  which  there  is  very  fertile  bottom  land.  Over  the  rest 
of  the  township,  the  surface  is  generally  rolling.  The  soil  is  very  good.  Ele- 
vation, 6,000  to  7,000  feet.  Distance  from  Craig,  the  nearest  railroad  point, 
forty  miles.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $12  per  acre. 

Township  12  N.,  R.  96  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling.  The 
soil  is  excellent.  This  township  is  cut  by  numerous  gulches.  There  is  some 
scrub  timber.  Distance  from  Craig,  the  nearest  railroad  point,  forty-two 
miles.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $3.50 
to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  97  W. — This  township  lies  in  a  broad,  low  basin,  sur- 
rounded by  rolling  hills.  The  soil  is  sandy,  clay  and  adobe.  Very  little  water 
in  the  streams.  Little  timber  on  the  hills.  Some  coal  indications.  Elevation, 
6,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Distance  from  Craig,  the  near- 
est railroad  point,  forty- five  miles.    Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  4  N.,  R.  97  W. — This  township  lies  in  a  natural  basin  sur- 
rounded by  rolling  hills.  Very  little  timber.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Distance 
from  Craig,  the  nearest  railroad  point,  forty  miles.  Annual  ranifall,  10  to  15 
inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  97  W. — This  township  is  on  the  crest  of  the  divide 
between  the  White  and  Bear  rivers.  It  is  generally  hilly  and  mountainous. 
The  soil  is  fertile  but  there  is  not  sufficient  water  for  cultivation.  Some 
scrub  timber  on  the  ridges.  There  is  a  dense  undergrowth  of  brush  through- 
out. Distance  from  Craig,  the  nearest  railroad  point,  thirty-eight  miles. 
Elevation,  6,500  to  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $3.50 
to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  6  N.,  R.  97  W. — This  township  is  touched  by  the  Bear  river  on 
thtt  northwest  corner,  and  slopes  gradually  to  the  south.    There  is  no  timber. 


216  Moffat  County 


The  soil  is  fertile  and  covered  with  a  dense  undergrowth  of  brush.  Gold 
grass.  There  is  considerable  land  farmed  along  the  Bear  river  and  in  the 
draws  on  top  of  the  mesas  there  is  good  agricultural  land,  if  irrigated.  The 
general  character  of  the  township  is  hilly.  Distance  from  Craig,  the  nearest 
railroad  point,  thirty-six  miles.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10 
to  15  inches.     Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  7  N.,  R.  97  W. — This  township  is  crossed  on  the  south  by  the 
Bear  river;  along  the  river  there  is  a  very  fertile  valley  under  cultivation. 
Between  the  Bear  river  on  the  south  and  Little  Snake  river,  which  touches 
a  corner  of  the  township  in  the  northwest,  the  land  is  composed  of  mesas  and 
hills.  This  land  would  be  first-class  agricultural  land,  if  irrigated,  and  could 
possibly  be  farmed  without,  as  it  has  a  deep,  sandy  soil  and  is  covered  with 
a  rich  growth  of  sage  brush  and  good  native  grass.  Some  scrub  timber  and 
much  dense  underbrush.  Distance  from  Craig,  the  nearest  railroad  point, 
thirty-six  miles.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  8  N.,  R.  97  W. — This  township  is  crossed  by  the  Little  Snake 
river,  along  which  there  are  very  good  bottom  lands,  all  of  which  are  under 
cultivation.  On  each  side  of  the  river  bottom,  the  surface  is  rolling  and 
hilly,  being  covered  with  a  dense  undergrowth  and  some  scrub  cedar.  The 
soil  in  the  hills  is  of  poor  quality.  There  are  coal  indications  in  sections  9 
and  16.  Distance  from  Craig,  the  nearest  railroad  point,  thirty-seven  miles. 
Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to  $12 
per  acre. 

Township  9  N.,  R.  97  W. — Little  Snake  river  crosses  the  southeast  corner 
of  tliis  township,  along  which  there  is  some  good  bottom  land.  The  rest  of 
the  township  is  hilly  and  arid.  No  running  water  in  this  township.  The 
soils  is  of  poor  quality,  being  adobe  and  decomposed  shale.  Some  scrub  tim- 
ber and  a  dense  undergrowth  of  brushes.  In  the  eastern  portion,  the  grazing 
is  good;  other  parts  poor,  and  owing  to  the  lack  of  water  suitable  only  for 
winter  range.  Distance  from  Craig,  the  nearest  railroad  point,  thirty-eight 
miles.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Value,  $3.50  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall, 
10  to  15  inches. 

Township  10  N.,  R.  97  W. — This  township  is  generally  hilly,  being  com- 
posed of  high  mesas  cut  by  deep  gulches.  There  is  very  little  water,  the 
gulches  being  dry.  The  surface  is  covered  with  a  dense  undergrowth  of  brush 
and  little  scrub  cedar  timber.  Very  good  grass.  In  the  eastern  portion  of 
the  township  the  mesas  are  composed  of  fossiliferous  sandstone  and  limestone. 
Distance  from  Craig,  the  nearest  railroad  point,  forty  miles.  Elevation,  6,500 
feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $3,50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  97  W. — This  township  lies  on  a  high  divide,  the  eleva- 
tion being  about  7,000  feet.  The  surface  is  principally  mesa  land  covered  with 
a  dense  undergrowth  and  scattering  cedars.  Water  is  very  scarce.  But  good 
winter  range.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Distance  from  railroad,  forty 
miles.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  12  N.,  R.  97  W. — A  rolling,  hilly  township,  covered  with  mesas  of 
fair  size.  There  is  a  dense  growth  of  sage  brush  and  little  cedars.  The  soil 
is  sandy  and  badly  cut  by  gulches.  No  surface  water  in  the  township.  Dis- 
tance from  Patrick,  Wyoming,  the  nearest  railroad  point,  forty  miles.  Eleva- 
tion, 7,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Suitable  only  for  grazing 
land.    Value,  $3.50  per  acre. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  98  W. — This  township  is  touched  on  the  south  by  the 
White   river,   along  which  there   are   some   agricultural   lands   already  under 


Moffat  County  217 


cultivation.  The  rest  of  the  township  lies  along  a  pinon  ridce  and  is  rough 
and  cut  with  deep  gulches,  covered  with  a  dense  undergrowth  of  scrub  tim- 
ber. Good  grass.  Coal  indications.  These  lands  are  not  agricultural  and 
suitable  only  for  grazing.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Distance  from  Crai^,  the 
nearest  railroad  point,  fifty  miles.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall, 
10  to  15  inches. 

Township  4  N.,  R.  98  W. — This  township  crosses  the  crest  of  Pinon  ridge. 
The  central  portion  is  very  rough  and  rugged.  In  the  east  portion  and  south- 
west portion  are  some  areas  that  would  be  good  agricultural  lands  if  irri- 
gated. The  soil,  however,  is  not  very  good,  being  thin  and  stony,  but  pro- 
duces good  native  grass.  There  is  some  scrub  cedar  timber  of  no  commercial 
value,  also  coal  indications.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Distance  from  Craig, 
the  nearest  railroad  point,  fifty  miles.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 10  to  15  inches. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  98  W. — This  township  is  hilly  and  broken.  In  the 
northern  portion  is  Promontory  plateau,  on  which  there  are  some  little  mesas 
and  natural  parks  that  might  be  cultivated  although  covered  with  a  dense 
undergrowth  of  brush  at  present.  There  are  some  springs  in  the  township, 
and  south  of  the  divide  there  are  some  coal  indications.  Some  scrub  cedar. 
Distance  from  Craig,  the  nearest  railroad  point,  forty-two  miles.  Elevation, 
6,000  to  7,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per 
acre. 

Township  6  N.,  R.  98  W. — This  township  contains  the  junction  of  the 
Little  Snake  and  the  Bear  rivers.  Along  the  bottom  lands  of  these  streams 
are  fine  agricultural  lands,  principally  under  cultivation.  On  the  south  sides 
of  the  rivers  the  land  is  high  and  rolling  with  the  soil  a  deep,  red,  sandy 
loam.  Outside  of  the  level  bottoms,  the  land  is  rolling.  In  the  northeast 
corner  of  the  township  is  "Cross  mountain."  The  lands  in  this  region  are 
very  rugged  and  rocky  and  of  no  value.  Distance  from  Craig,  the  nearest 
railroad  point,  forty-two  miles.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to 
15  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $12  per  acre. 

Township  7  N.,  R.  98  W. — This  township  is  crossed  by  Little  Snake  river, 
along  the  valley  of  which  is  good  agricultural  land  under  cultivation.  The 
rest  of  the  township  is  hilly,  covered  with  dense  undergrowth  and  consider- 
able scrub  timber.  Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre.  Elevation,  6,000  to  7,000  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Distance  from  Craig,  the  nearest  railroad 
point,  forty  miles. 

Township  8  N.,  R.  98  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  hilly,  lying  on 
the  slope  just  west  of  the  Little  Snake  river.  The  hills  are  low  and  there 
is  very  little  water,  but  a  splendid  growth  of  grass.  There  is  a  dense  under- 
growth of  brush;  also  petrified  wood  and  bone  fossils.  In  the  extreme  south- 
west corner  are  agricultural  lands  which  would  be  good  if  irrigated.  Value, 
$3.50  to  $12  per  acre.  Distance  from  Craig,  the  nearest  railroad  point,  forty- 
five  miles.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  6,000  feet. 

Township  9  N.,  R.  98  W. — This  township  contains  rolling  and  mesa  lands. 
The  soil  is  stony  and  alkaline.  Some  bottom  lands  covered  with  a  dense 
growth  of  sage  brush.  There  is  no  timber.  The  springs  are  alkaline.  The 
grass  is  fair.  This  land  makes  a  good  winter  range.  Distance  from  Craig, 
the  nearest  railroad  point,  forty- five  miles.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  10  N.,  R.  98  W. — The  north- central  portion  of  this  township  is 
rolling,  hilly  land,  covered  with  good  grass  and  a  dense  undergrowth  of  sage 


218  Moffat  County 


brush.  The  eastern  and  western  portions  are  rough.  No  surface  water.  This 
is  a  good  winter  grazing  section.  PetrilBed  fossils  to  be  found  in  this  town- 
ship. None  of  the  land  here  would  interest  a  farmer  seeking"  land.  It  is  a 
good  winter  range,  but  otherwise  of  little  value.  Distance  from  Craig,  the 
nearest  railroad  point,  forty-eight  miles.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 10  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  98  W. — The  western  portion  of  this  township  is 
broken,  along  the  Vermillion  bluffs;  the  rest  is  sage-covered  flats  on  top  of 
the  divide.  There  is  quite  a  growth  of  underbrush,  and  the  grass  is  good. 
Some  water.  The  winters  are  severe,  and  there  is  no  shelter  for  stock.  This 
land  is  good  only  for  summer  grazing.  Elevation,  7,000  feet.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 10  to  15  inches.  Distance  from  Patrick,  Wyoming,  the  nearest  railroad 
point,  forty  miles.    Value,  $3.50  per  acre. 

Township  12  N.,  R.  98  W. — Along  the  Cedar  bluffs,  which  cross  this  town- 
ship, there  is  some  fine  cedar  timber.  The  rest  of  the  township  is  rolling,  arid 
mountain  land,  covered  with  good  grass.  Water  to  be  found  in  some  of  the 
gulches.  Distance  from  Patrick,  Wyoming,  the  nearest  railroad  point,  thirty- 
six  miles.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  16  inches.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Value, 
$3.50  per  acre. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  99  W. — This  township  is  crossed  on  the  south  by  the 
White  river,  along  which  there  is  a  narrow  strip  of  cultivated  land.  The 
rest  of  the  township  is  very  rugged,  grazing  lands,  with  the  exception  of 
Wolf  Creek  basin.  In  this  there  is  some  good  agricultural  land,  but  it  needs 
irrigating.  No  water  available.  No  timber,  excepting  little  scrub  timber  in 
the  southern  portion.  The  soil  is  fertile  and  produces  a  dense  undergrowth 
of  brush.  There  are  indications  that  this  is  an  oil  district.  For  agricultural 
purposes,  the  land  is  classified  as  poor;  for  grazing,  fair.  Elevation,  5,500 
leet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Distance  from  Dragon,  Utah,  the 
nearest  railroad  point,  thirty  miles.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  4  N.,  R.  99  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  hilly,  suitable 
only  for  grazing.  Some  of  the  lands  would  be  good  for  agriculture,  if  irri- 
gated. No  water  available.  The  timber  is  little  and  scrubby.  In  the  north 
and  northeast  portions  the  soil  is  adobe,  covered  with  sage  and  bunch  grass. 
The  lands  here  are  only  valuable  for  winter  range.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre. 
Distance  from  Dragon,  Utah,  the  nearest  railroad  point,  thirty-five  miles. 
Elevation,  6,500  feet.     Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  99  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  hilly  and 
mountainous,  heavily  timbered,  but  of  no  commercial  value.  Some  underbrush 
and  a  good  growth  of  grass.  There  is  enough  water  for  stock.  Some  springs 
in  this  township.  Coal  indications.  Elevation,  6,000  to  7,500  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Distance  from  Dragon,  Utah,  the  nearest  railroad 
point,  thirty-five  miles.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  6  N.,  R.  99  W. — This  township  is  hilly  and  mountainous,  ex- 
cepting the  bottom  lands  along  the  Bear  river.  The  adjacent  mesa  lands  are 
rolling  and  level.  The  soil  on  the  lowlands  is  good,  making  these  lands  sus- 
ceptible to  agriculture.  The  good  lands  have  been  taken  up  for  some  time 
and  are  in  the  courts,  being  claimed  by  several  different  interests.  The 
lands  above  the  river  bottom  are  good  grazing  lands.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre. 
The  north  and  northwest  portions  of  the  township  are  barren  and  of  no 
value.  Distance  from  Craig,  the  nearest  railroad  point,  fifty  miles.  Eleva- 
tion, 6,000  to  7,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  7  N.,  R,  99  W. — The  southern  portion  of  this  township  is  rocky, 
being  located  on  Douglass  mountain.     This  is  a  rough  grazing  district,  cov- 


Moffat  County  219 


ered  with  heavy  timber  and  good  grass.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  The 
northern  portion  of  the  township  is  in  the  Lone  Mountain  basin,  and  is  a 
rolling  country  with  a  rich,  sandy  soil.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Elevation, 
6,000  to  7,000  feet.  Distance  from  Craig,  the  nearest  railroad  point,  fifty 
miles.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  8  N.,  R.  99  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling  and 
hilly.  The  soil  is  sandy  and  quite  fertile,  covered  with  a  dense  undergrowth 
of  brush  and  good  grass,  also  some  scrvib  cedar.  Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Distance  from  Craig, 
the  nearest  railroad  point,  fifty  miles. 

Township  9  N.,  R.  99  W. — The  surface  of  the  southeast  corner  of  this 
township  is  hilly,  covered  with  a  dense  growth  of  scrub  cedars.  The  rest  of 
the  township  is  rolling  plains.  The  soil  is  clay  and  lime  stone.  No  surface 
water.  Lots  of  sage  brush.  Used  as  a  winter  range.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per 
acre.  Distance  from  Craig,  the  nearest  railroad  point,  fifty  miles.  Elevation, 
6,500  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  10  N.,  R.  99  W. — Most  of  this  township  lies  on  the  southern 
slope  of  Lookout  mountain.  There  is  no  surface  water.  The  soil  is  stony 
and  is  considered  fourth  rate.  There  is  a  little  scrub  timber  and  some  lime- 
stone mesas.  Elevation,  6,500  to  7,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Distance  from  Craig,  the  nearest  railroad  point,  fifty 
miles. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  99  W. — This  is  a  very  poor  section.  The  soil  is  mis- 
erable. The  surface  is  broken.  There  is  very  little  scrub  timber,  some  sage- 
brush and  bunch  grass.  This  township  is  suitable  only  for  grazing.  Value, 
$3.50  per  acre.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Dis- 
tance from  Craig,  the  nearest  railroad  point,  fifty  miles. 

Township  12  N.,  R.  99  W. — This  township  is  a  very  poor  district.  The 
soil  is  third  rate.  Some  scrub  sage  brush  and  bunch  grass.  Very  little  timber. 
The  surface  is  badly  broken  by  gulches.  Suitable  only  for  grazing.  Value, 
$3.50  per  acre.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Dis- 
tance from  Partick,  Wyoming,  the  nearest  railroad  point,  fifty  miles. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  100  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rather  hilly, 
and  is  used  at  present  for  grazing  only.  On  the  northern  boundary  of  the 
township  there  is  some  good  agricultural  lands  if  irrigated,  and  might  be 
cultivated  without  irrigation.  This  township  is  cut  by  deep  washes,  difficult 
to  irrigate.  There  is  some  rolling  land.  Coal  indications  along  White  river 
and  the  southern  portion.  Some  scrubby  timber.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 
Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Distance  from  Dragon, 
Utah,  the  nearest  railroad  point,  thirty  miles. 

Township  4  N.,  R.  100  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  hilly,  but  some 
of  the  land  is  being  cultivated.  Some  springs  in  this  township.  Vegetables 
and  fruits  do  fine  in  this  section.  Most  of  the  township  is  covered  with  a 
dense  undergrowth  of  brush  and  cedar.  Plenty  of  water  for  stock.  Good 
grass.  Elevation,  7,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Distance  from 
Dragon,  Utah,  the  nearest  railroad  point,  thirty-five  miles.    Value,  $5  per  acre. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  100  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  very  rough. 
The  township  is  located  on  a  divide  between  the  Bear  and  White  rivers. 
Wolf  creek  and  Disappointment  creek  are  both  dry  most  of  the  time.  There 
are  few  springs  and  good  grass.  The  township  is  generally  covered  with  a 
dense  growth  of  scrub  cedar.  Value,  $8.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10 


220  Moffat  County 


to  16  inches.    Elevation,  7,500  feet.    Distance  from  Dragon,  Utah,  the  nearest 
railroad  point,  fifty  miles. 

Township  6  N.,  R.  100  W. — This  township  is  crossed  east  and  west  through 
the  center  by  Bear  river,  which  runs  through  a  deep,  inaccessible  canyon.  The 
southern  part  of  the  township  is  on  the  northern  slope  of  Blue  mountain; 
the  northern  portion  on  the  southern  slope  of  Douglass  mountain.  The  soil 
is  rocky,  but  fertile,  being  covered  with  an  abundant  growth  of  good  grass, 
and  dense  underbrush  and  heavy  scrub  timber.  There  are  no  springs,  the 
only  water  supply  being  the  Bear  river,  the  sands  of  which  are  reported  to 
contain  placer  gold.  Indications  of  copper.  This  township  is  inaccessible  to 
wagons.  Distance  from  Craig,  the  nearest  railroad  station,  fifty  miles.  Ele- 
vation, 6,000  to  7,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $3.50 
per  acre. 

Township  7  N.,  R.  100  W.— This  township  is  located  on  the  crest  of  Doug- 
lass mountain  and  is  suitable  only  for  grazing;  although  the  northern  half  is 
rolling  land  that  would  be  good  farming  land  if  irrigated.  The  soil  is  fertile 
and  sandy,  covered  with  good  grass  and  a  dense  growth  of  sage  brush.  There 
is  good  scrub  timber  on  Douglass  mountain.  Indications  of  copper.  Value, 
$3.50  to  $8  per  acre.  Elevation,  6,500  to  8,000  feet.  Distance  from  Craig,  the 
nearest  railroad  station,  fifty  miles.     Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  8  N.,  R.  100  W.— This  is  a  district  of  flat-top  ridges,  cut  by 
deep  gulches  and  with  wide  bottoms.  The  soil  is  of  good  quality;  but  this 
is  an  arid  district,  requiring  irrigation  and  no  water  available.  Sometimes 
there  are  good  crops  of  natural  hay  without  irrigation.  Some  fairly  heavy 
scrub  timber  on  the  ridges  and  a  dense  undergrowth  of  brush.  The  soil  is 
sandy  and  quite  fertile.  There  is  a  heavy  growth  of  natural  grass.  Value, 
$3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Distance  from  Craig,  the  nearest 
railroad  point,  fifty  miles.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  9  N,,  R.  100  W. — Dry  mountain  is  located  in  the  center  of  this 
township;  it  is  an  arid  district,  having  an  alkaline  soil  covered  with  scrub 
cedar,  sage  brush  and  grass.  The  springs  are  alkaline  but  palatable.  Suit- 
able only  for  grazing.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Distance  from  Craig,  the  near- 
est railroad  point,  fifty- five  miles.  Elevation,  6,500  to  7,500  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,   10  to  15  inches. 

Township  10  N.,  R.  100  W. — The  western  portion  of  this  township  is  an 
alkaline  desert,  without  water.  Other  portions  of  the  township  afford  good 
winter  and  spring  forage,  but  no  surface  water.  There  is  a  little  timber  in 
the  south  and  east  portions.  This  township  is  good  only  for  grazing  lands. 
Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Distance  from  Patrick,  Wyoming,  the  nearest  railroad 
point,  fifty-five  miles.    Elevation,  6,500  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  100  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  badly  broken. 
The  soil  is  third  rate.  There  is  a  little  scattering  scrub  timber,  very  little 
water.  Only  second  rate  grazing  land.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Distance  from 
Patrick,  Wyoming,  the  nearest  railroad  point,  fifty  miles.  Annual  rainfall, 
10  inches.    Value,  $3.50  per  acre. 

Township  12  N.,  R.  100  W. — This  is  a  broken,  rolling,  hilly  township. 
The  soil  is  veiy  poor.  Water  in  the  gulches  and  a  good  growth  of  sage  and 
bunch  grass.  Little  scrub  timber.  Grazing  land  only.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre. 
Distance  from  Patrick,  Wyo.,  the  nearest  railroad  point,  fifty  miles.  Eleva- 
tion, 6,500  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  inches. 


Moffat  County  221 


Township  3  N.,  R.  101  W. — This  township  consists  of  broken  mesas  and 
valleys.  It  lies  at  the  foot  of  Blue  mountain.  A  good  grazing  district  but  not 
recommended  for  agriculture  or  settlement.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Distance  from  Dragon,  Utah,  the  nearest  railroad 
point,  thirty-five  miles.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  4  N.,  R.  101  W. — This  township  lies  in  a  wild,  unsettled  district. 
Some  portions  are  mountainous  and  some  rolling  with  good,  sandy  loam  soil. 
There  is  dense  timber  in  the  mountains.  Plenty  of  wild  game.  Very  little 
surface  water.  Some  prospecting  for  uranium  ores.  Distance  from  Dragon, 
Utah,  the  nearest  railroad  point,  thirty-five  miles.  Elevation,  7,000  feet. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  10  inches. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  101  W. — This  township  lies  on  the  crest  of  Blue  moun- 
tain. Some  timber,  very  little  water.  Some  underbrush.  In  the  center  and 
west  portions  along  Wolf  creek  the  land  is  rolling  and  level.  The  soil  is 
sandy  and  second  rate.  The  grass  is  short.  Crops  cannot  be  raised  without 
irrigation.  Elevation,  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Distance 
from  Dragon,  Utah,  the  nearest  railroad  station,  forty  miles.  Value,  $3.50 
to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  6  N.,  R.  101  W. — This  township  lies  on  the  northern  slope  of 
Blue  mountain  and  is  crossed  by  the  Bear  river.  It  is  a  very  rough  and  moun- 
tainous district  with  narrow  strips  of  agricultural  lands.  No  creeks,  and  a 
few  springs.  No  water  for  irrigation.  The  river  runs  in  a  deep  canyon. 
Heavy  timber  and  a  dense  undergrowth  of  brush  in  evidence.  Indications  of 
copper,  iron  and  gold  in  the  southern  portion.  The  northern  portion  of  the 
township  is  precipitous  and  of  no  value.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Elevation, 
6,000  to  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Distance  from  Craig,  the 
nearest  railroad  station,  sixty  miles. 

Township  7  N.,  R.  101  W. — This  township  is  a  rough  and  mountainous 
section,  inaccessible  and  of  very  little  value.  There  are  a  few  narrow  strips 
of  agricultural  lands  in  the  bottom  of  the  draws.  There  are  no  creeks  and 
few  springs.  No  water  for  irrigation.  The  soil  is  third  rate.  Indications  of 
iron  and  copper,  but  not  discovered  in  any  quantity  so  far.  Most  of  the  dis- 
trict is  rough  cedar-covered  ridges  about  9,000  feet  high.  Distance  from  Craig, 
the  nearest  railroad  point,  sixty  miles.  Annual  rainfall,  10  inches.  Value, 
$3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  8  N.,  R.  101  W. — A  rather  hilly  township;  some  portions  being 
very  heavily  timbered.  The  southern  portion  contains  some  good  mill  tim- 
ber. Most  of  the  soil  is  thin  and  stony  and  covered  with  sage  brush,  forming 
a  good  winter  range.  Considerable  land  is  good  for  agriculture.  No  water 
available  for  irrigation  except  small  springs  on  Douglass  mountain.  Eleva- 
tion, 6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre. 
Distance  from  Craig,  the  nearest  railroad  point,  sixty  miles. 

Township  9  N.,  R.  101  W. — The  surface  of  thie  township  is  hilly  and  com- 
posed of  high  flat-top  mesas.  No  water.  Considerable  timber,  but  of  no 
commercial  value.  Some  of  the  soil  is  first  rate,  making  good  farming  lands, 
but  lying  in  an  arid  district  require  irrigation.  No  water  available.  Natur- 
ally, a  good  winter  range,  but  has  been  overstocked.  Vermillion  creek  crosses 
the  township,  but  is  decidedly  alkaline.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 10  inches.  Distance  from  Craig,  the  nearest  railroad  point,  sixty  miles. 
Value,  $3.50  per  acre. 

Township  10  N.,  R.  101  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  principally 
hilly.      Some   successful  farming  without   irrigation  being  carried  on  nere. 


^22  Moffat  County 


There  is  an  abundance  of  grass  and  a  dense  growth  of  scrub  timber.  Some 
desert  and  worthless  lands.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.  Distance  from  Patrick,  the  nearest  railroad  point,  sixty  miles.  Value, 
$3.50  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  101  W. — This  township  is  hilly  and  very  rough  in 
the  southwest  portion.  The  rest  is  composed  of  flat-top  mesas  with  deep 
gulches.  The  southeast  portion  contains  timber,  but  there  is  none  in  the 
upper  portions.  The  entire  township  is  covered  with  dense  undergrowth. 
Some  dry  farming  and  some  irrigated  farming  in  this  township.  Grazing 
good.  On  account  of  its  remoteness  very  little  is  known  of  the  district.  Dis- 
tance from  Patrick,  the  nearest  railroad  point,  sixty  miles.  Elevation,  6,500 
feet.     Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  12  N.,  R.  101  W. — This  township  is  in  a  hilly  district  and  is 
covered  with  high  flat-top  mesas  cut  with  deep  gulches.  Water  is  alkaline 
and  unfit  for  drinking.  The  streams  go  dry  during  the  summer  time.  No 
timber,  but  a  dense  growth  of  sage  brush.  This  is  a  good  winter  range.  In- 
dications of  gold.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall, 
10  inches.  Distance  from  Patrick,  Wyoming,  the  nearest  railroad  point, 
fifty  miles. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  102  W.— The  northern  and  southern  portions  of  this 
township  are  rough  and  covered  with  a  dense  growth  of  scrub  timber.  The 
middle  portion  of  the  township  is  rolling  mesas,  covered  with  sage  brush. 
Plenty  of  water.  Good  grass.  Located  at  the  foot  of  Blue  mountain.  Eleva- 
tion, 6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Distance  from  Dragon, 
Utah,  the  nearest  railroad  point,  thirty  miles.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  4  N.,  R.  102  W.— The  southern  and  eastern  portions  of  this 
township  are  mountainous,  covered  with  heavy  timber.  The  northern  and 
western  portions  are  table  lands  on  Blue  mountain.  No  timber.  Covered 
with  sage  brush.  The  soil  is  sandy.  There  is  no  water  and  no  grass.  Dis- 
tance from  Dragon,  Utah,  the  nearest  railroad  point,  thirty  miles.  Elevation, 
7,000  to  8,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $3.50  per  acre. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  102  W. — This  township  is  composed  of  table  lands  on 
the  summit  of  Blue  mountain.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam,  too  dry  for  vegeta- 
tion, very  productive  if  irrigated.  Not  much  water  on  top  of  the  mountain. 
Poor  grazing  land.  Elevation,  7,500  feet.  Distance  from  Dragon,  Utah,  thirty- 
five  miles.    Annual  rainfall,  10  inches.    Value,  $3.50  per  acre. 

Township  6  N.,  R.  102  W. — This  township  lies  on  the  northern  slope  of 
Blue  mountain,  extending  into  the  canyons  of  the  Bear  river  on  the  north. 
It  is  a  rough,  mountainous  section,  covered  with  scrub  timber  of  no  com- 
mercial value.  Very  little  water.  The  river  runs  in  a  deep  canyon,  with  im- 
passable cliffs  on  each  side.  Some  indications  of  iron,  copper  and  gold.  Dis- 
tance from  Dragon,  Utah,  the  nearest  railroad  point,  fifty  miles.  Elevation, 
6,000  to  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  inches.  The  lands  in  this  township 
are  worthless  except  for  a  little  narrow  strip  of  good  land  on  a  bench  above 
the  river. 

Township  7  N.,  R.  102  W. — This  is  a  hillv  and  grazing  district  with  about 
400  acres  of  agricultural  lands  in  the  townsnip.  Some  float  copper  and  iron 
ore,  very  rich,  but  not  found  in  veins.  A  few  scattering  springs  and  some 
timber.  The  southern  portion  is  very  heavily  timbered.  Located  sixty-five 
miles  west  of  Craig,  the  nearest  railroad  point.  Elevation,  9,000  feet.  An- 
nual rainfall,  10  inches.    Value,  $3.50  per  acre. 


Moffat  County  223 


Township  8  N.,  R.  102  W. — Zenobia  peak  is  in  the  southwest  corner  of 
this  township,  which  slopes  in  a  northeasterly  direction.  There  is  some  agri- 
cultural land  in  the  township,  but  mostly  mountainous.  There  is  a  reservoir 
site  in  sections  26  and  35,  which  might  develop  into  an  irrigation  project 
which  would  put  water  on  considerable  land.  Considerable  timber  oi  com- 
mercial quality  on  Douglass  mountain,  also  rich  copper  and  iron  ore  float. 
Located  sixty-five  miles  from  Craig,  the  nearest  railroad  point.  Elevation, 
6,000  to  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per 
acre. 

Township  9  N.,  R.  102  W. — This  township  is  crossed  by  Green  river  and 
by  Vermillion  creek.  There  is  some  bottom  land  and  low  flats,  mesas  and 
rolling  land.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam.  White  sage  brush  grows  on  the 
mesa  land.  This  is  a  good  winter  range  country.  Distance  from  Craig,  the 
nearest  railroad  point,  sixty-eight  miles.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 10  inches.     Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  10  N.,  R.  102  W.— The  northeast  portion  of  this  township  is 
rough  and  mountainous,  covered  with  heavy  timber,  making  it  of  no  value 
as  agricultural  land.  The  southwest  portion  is  in  the  valley  of  the  Green 
river,  known  as  Brown's  Park  country.  This  is  a  natural  farming  district, 
heavily  timbered  along  the  river.  Mesa  lands  at  the  foot  of  the  mountains. 
The  soil  is  a  rich,  sandy  loam.  This  should  make  a  fine  fruit  country.  Value, 
$5  to  $10  per  acre.  Distance  from  Green  Eiver,  Wyoming,  the  nearest  railroad 
point,  sixty  miles.    Elevation,  6,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  inches. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  102  W. — This  township  is  rather  heavily  timbered, 
and  a  mountainous  district.  Plenty  of  water.  Good  grazing  and  the  grass  is 
fine.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Distance  from  Green  River,  Wyoming,  the 
nearest  railroad  station,  fifty  miles  south.  Elevation,  7,500  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  12  N.,  R.  102  W. — The  southern  portion  of  this  township  is 
mountainous  and  heavily  timbered.  The  northern  portion,  foothills  and 
mesas,  covered  with  sage  brush,  scattering  timber,  good  grass  and  plenty  of 
water.  The  grazing  is  fine.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Distance  from 
Green  River,  Wyoming,  the  nearest  railroad  point,  fifty  miles.  Elevation, 
7,000  feet.     Annual  rainfall,  10  inches. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  103  W. — The  southern  portion  of  this  township  is 
rough,  while  the  northern  portion  is  rolling  mesa  land.  Some  timber.  Good 
grass.  Plenty  of  water.  Indications  of  uranium  and  vanadium  ores.  Thirty 
miles  north  of  Dragon,  Utah,  the  nearest  railroad  point.  Elevation,  7,000  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  4  N.,  R.  103  W. — The  northern  and  eastern  portions  of  this 
township  are  table  lands.  The  soil  is  of  medium  quality,  but  quite  productive 
if  irrigated.  The  southern  and  western  portions  are  broken,  covered  with 
dense  timber  and  contain  no  agricultural  lands.  Distance  from  Dragon,  Utah, 
then  nearest  railroad  point,  thirty-five  miles.  Elevation,  7,000  to  8,000  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  103  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling  table 
land,  located  on  top  of  Blue  mountain.  The  soil  is  sandy  and  is  classified 
about  second  rate,  not  being  very  productive.  There  is  very  little  grass  in 
this  township,  but  lots  of  sage  brush;  not  much  water,  and  that  bad.  Value, 
$3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Located  forty  miles  north  of  Dragon,  Utah,  the  nearest 
railroad  point.  Elevation,  8,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value. 
$3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 


224  Moffat  County 


Township  6  N.,  R.  103  W. — This  township  is  located  on  the  north  slope  of 
Blue  mountain  and  consists  of  exceedingly  rough  and  broken  grazing  lands. 
Some  timber,  but  of  no  commercial  value.  The  grass  is  rather  poor  and 
there  is  a  dense  undergrowth  of  brush.  Some  prairie  and  sage  brush  lands. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  6,000  to  8,000  feet.  Located  forty 
miles  north  of  Dragon,  Utah,  the  nearest  railroad  point.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5 
per  acre. 

Township  7  N.,  R.  103  W. — An  extremely  rough,  broken  township,  crossed 
by  the  Ladore  canon  of  the  Green  river,  and  Yampa  canon  of  the  Bear  river. 
There  is  practically  no  agricultural  land  in  this  township.  Lands  inaccessi- 
ble and  of  no  value. 

Township  8  N.,  R.  103  W. — This  township  is  crossed  of  the  Ladore  canon 
of  the  Green  river  and  is  mostly  mountainous.  There  are  some  strips  of  agri- 
cultural lands  and  some  water.  Farming  without  irrigation  is  successful  in 
this  township,  but  there  is  not  a  great  amount  of  land  suitable.  Seventy 
miles  south  of  Green  river,  Wyoming,  the  nearest  railroad  point.  Elevation, 
6,000  to  7,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per 
acre. 

Township  9  N.,  R.  103  W. — This  is  a  very  inaccessible  district;  generally 
rough  and  rugged,  with  dense  timber,  some  of  which  is  of  commercial  value. 
There  are  some  grazing  lands  and  some  agricultural  lands,  but  not  much. 
Distance  from  Green  River,  Wyoming,  sixty- five  miles.  Elevation,  6,000  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  10  N.,  R.  103  W. — The  south  and  southwest  portions  of  this 
township  are  barren  and  of  no  value.  North  of  Green  river  is  what  is  known 
as  Brown's  Park  country,  a  district  of  good  level  land.  The  soil  along  the 
river  is  adobe  with  considerable  alkaline.  There  is  at  least  1,000  acres  of 
first-class  agricultural  land  in  this  township,  if  irrigated.  Located  sixty  miles 
south  of  Green  River,  Wyoming,  the  nearest  railroad  point.  Elevation,  6,000 
feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  inches.     Value,  $3.50  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  103  W. — This  township  is  mountainous.  The  southern 
portion  is  heavily  timbered,  but  it  without  grass  and  is  inaccessible.  The 
northern  section  is  covered  with  scattering  timber;  plenty  of  grass  and  water. 
This  is  a  good  grazing  district.  Distance  from  Green  River,  Wyoming,  the 
nearest  railroad  point,  fifty  miles.  Elevation,  7,000  feet.  Value,  $3.50  per 
acre.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  12  N.,  R.  103  W. — A  rough,  mountainous  district,  mostly  heav- 
ily timbered  with  some  natural  parks  and  mesas.  This  is  a  good  grazing  sec- 
tion. Plenty  of  water.  Elevation  about  7,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.  Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre.  Located  forty-five  miles  south  of  Green 
River,  Wyoming,  the  nearest  railroad  point. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  104  W. — A  rolling,  mountainous,  arid  district,  covered 
with  dense  sage  brush  and  some  scrub  cedars.  Plenty  of  coal.  Suitable  only 
for  grazing.  Scanty  water.  Located  forty  miles  from  Dragon,  Utah,  the 
nearest  railroad  point.  Elevation,  7,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  inches. 
Value,  $3.50  per  acre. 

Township  4  N.,  R.  104  W. — The  southern  part  of  this  township  is  level 
and  productive,  if  irrigated.  The  soil  is  good.  However,  this  is  considered 
an  arid  district.  The  northern  portion  is  mountainous  and  covered  with  scrub 
cedar.  Located  thirty-five  miles  north  of  Dragon,  Utah,  the  nearest  railroad 
point.  Elevation,  7,000  to  8,000  feet.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 


Moffat  County  225 


Township  5  N.,  R.  104  W. — A  rough  and  broken  district.  The  soil  is  sandy 
and  stony,  covered  with  a  dense  growth  of  sage  and  brush.  Some  scrub  cedar. 
These  lands  suitable  for  grazing  only.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Located  thirty- 
five  miles  north  of  Dragon,  Utah,  the  nearest  railroad  point.  Elevation,  8,500 
feet. 

Township  6  N.,  R.  104  W. — This  is  a  grazing  section;  the  soil  is  thin  and 
rocky.  No  timber.  Plenty  of  grass.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Located  forty 
miles  from  Dragon,  Utah,  the  nearest  railroad  point.  Elevation,  7,800  feet. 
Value,  $3.50  per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  10  inches. 

Township  7  N.,  R.  104  W. — This  township  is  rough,  rocky  and  inaccessible. 

Township  8  N.,  R.  104  W. — This  township  is  mountainous  and  suitable 
only  for  grazing.    Inaccessible. 

Township  9  N.,  R.  104  W. — This  township  consists  of  rough  ridges  and 
canons,  covered  with  a  dense  growth  of  timber.  The  northern  portion  of  no 
value.    The  southern  portion  not  much  better. 

Township  10  N.,  R.  104  W. — The  northern  half  of  this  township  consists 
of  river  bottoms  and  mesa  land,  and  the  soil  is  good.  The  southern  half  is 
rough  and  of  no  value.  Located  sixty-five  miles  south  of  Green  River,  Wyo- 
ming, the  nearest  railroad  point.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10 
inches. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  104  W. — The  southern  portion  of  this  township  con- 
sists of  mesa  land,  along  the  Green  river.  The  northern  portion  is  rough  and 
mountainous.  Located  sixty  miles  south  of  Green  River,  Wyoming,  the  near- 
est railroad  point.  Elevation,  6,000  to  8,000  feet.  Value,  $3.50  to  $10  per  acre. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  inches. 

Township  12  N.,  R.  104  W. — Principally  a  rough,  mountainous  district, 
heavily  timbered.  The  southern  portion  not  even  fit  for  grazing  land.  The 
northern  portion  a  good  grazing  section.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Lo- 
cated fifty  miles  south  of  Green  River,  Wyoming,  the  nearest  railroad  point. 
Elevation,  8,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 


MONTEZUMA   COUNTY 

DURANGO  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  188,107  Acres. 

Montezuma  county  is  located  in  the  extreme  southeastern  corner  of  Colo- 
rado, adjoining  the  New  Mexico  and  Utah  state  lines.  It  is  located  on  the 
southern  slope  of  the  San  Juan  mountains  and  is  watered  by  streams  fed 
from  the  snows  of  these  high  peaks.  The  population  of  Montezuma  county 
is  about  5,000.  The  population  of  Cortez,  the  county  seat,  being  600,  about  the 
same  as  that  of  Mancos,  the  next  town  of  importance. 

There  are  two  large  valleys  in  this  county,  the  Montezuma  and  Mancos 
valleys.     The  soil  in  these  valleys  is  very  fertile  and  there  is  an  abundance 
of  water  for  irrigation.     This  section  of  Colorado  is  very  productive.     This 
is  a  vegetable,  grain  and  especially  a  fruit-growing  district. 
Very  large  areas  of  vacant  land  in  this  county. 

In  Montezuma,  is  located  the  Mesa  Verde  national  park,  a  park  created 
by  congress  to  preserve  the  ruins  of  the  ancient  Cliff  Dwellers,  who  at  one  time 
thickly  populated  this  part  of  Colorado.  The  race  has  long  been  extinct, 
having  been  exterminated  by  the  Indians  before  the  coming  of  the  white  men. 
In  this  national  park  are  preserved  whole  cities  in  a  good  state  of  preserva- 
tion, together  with  implements,  dishes  and  samples  of  other  unperishable 
belongings  of  these  little  people,  they  being  a  race  of  dwarfs. 

The  agricultural  products  of  Montezuma  county,  at  the  present  time,  are 
about  as  follows: 

Wheat   and   grain    . $200,000.00 

Hay  . . 250,000.00 

Fruits   60,000.00 

Vegetables  and  other  crops 75,000.00 

Township  35  N.,  R.  13  W. — This  township  is  located  in  the  extreme  east- 
ern part  of  Montezuma  county,  a  mile  soutn  of  the  town  of  Mancos.  This 
is  a  good  grazing  district  with  considerable  timber.  The  soil  is  good  but 
inclined  to  be  rocky.  Some  parts  of  this  township  are  under  cultivation; 
other  portions  suitable  only  for  grazing.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Elevation,  6,500  feet.    One  mile  from  railroad. 

Township  36  N.,  R.  13  W. — The  northeast  and  southwest  portions,  which 
are  watered  by  streams,  are  well  adapted  to  agriculture,  having  good  grass 
and  fine  timber  with  some  pinon  and  cedar.  The  southeast  portion  is  hilly 
and  broken,  with  good  grass  and  timber.  Value,  $5  to  $12  per  acre.  This 
township  is  crossed  by  railroad,  and  the  town  of  Mancos  is  located  in  the 
southern  portion.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Elevation,  7,000  feet. 

Township  34  N.,  R.  14  W. — The  western  portion  of  this  township  is  in- 
cluded in  the  Mesa  Verde  national  park.  It  is  high  mesa  land  containing 
many  dwellings  of  the  extinct  race  of  Cliff  Dwellers,  Outside  of  the  lands 
along  the  river  valleys,  which  have  been  taken  up,  the  township  has  nothing 
to  offer  to  the  homeseeker,  as  it  is  arid  and  barren.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre. 
Distance  from  railroad,  eight  miles.  Annual  rainfall,  16  to  20  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 6,500  feet. 


Montezuma  County  227 


Township  35  N.,  R.  14  W. — This  township  is  mainly  mountainous,  includ- 
ing a  large  part  of  the  bluffs  forming  the  boundary  between  the  Mancos  and 
Montezuma  valeys.  The  arable  lands  on  the  Mancos  bottom  are  mostly  taken 
up  and  under  cultivation.  Coal  indications  appear  in  the  western  portion. 
Distance  from  railroad,  one  mile.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  The  south  and  west 
portions  are  included  in  the  Mesa  Verde  national  forest.  Annual  rainfall,  15 
to  20  inches.    Elevation,  7,000  feet. 

Township  36  N.,  R.  14  W. — Coal  outcroppings  are  frequent  in  this  town- 
ship. The  grass  is  good  and  there  is  considerable  pine  timber.  Much  of 
the  land  is  rolling  sage  brush  land.  Fine  soil.  Very  fertile  when  irrigated. 
Value,  $5  to  $12  per  acre.  Distance  from  railroad,  one  mile.  Annual  rainfall, 
16  to  20  inches.    Elevation,  6,500  feet. 

Township  37  N.,  R.  14  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  mainly  high, 
rolling  land.  Lost  canyon  and  the  Dolores  canyon,  with  their  tributary 
gulches,  make  several  sections  very  rough.  The  only  surface  water  is  in  the 
Lost  Canyon  creek.  The  northern  part  of  this  township  is  included  in  the 
Montezuma  national  forest.  This  township  is  crossed  by  railroad.  Value, 
$3.50  to  $10  per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Elevation,  7,000  feet. 

Township  35  N.,  R.  15  W. — The  southern  portion  is  broken  by  high  sand- 
stone bluffs,  forming  the  Mesa  Verde  national  park.  The  northern  portion 
lies  in  the  Montezuma  valley.  The  vacant  lands  are  rolling  and  hilly  between 
the  valleys  and  bluffs,  and  densely  covered  with  oak  brush  and  scattering 
pines  and  spruce.  There  are  coal  indications  in  many  places.  No  surface 
water.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  7,000 
feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  eight  miles. 

Township  36  N.,  R.  15  W. — This  township  is  situated  in  the  Montezuma 
valley  and  drained  by  McElmo  creek.  Most  of  this  township  is  covered  with 
a  dense  growth  of  cedars,  pinons;  excepting  the  southwest  portion,  which  is 
broken  and  open.  Most  of  the  entire  township  is  irrigated  by  a  ditch  from 
Rio  Dolores;  there  are  also  springs  in  sections  5  and  29.  Value,  $10  to  $25 
per  acre.  Distance  from  railroad,  two  miles.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  6,000  feet. 

Township  37  N.,  R.  15  W. — This  township  is  a  high  plateau,  cut  by  two 
creeks  in  deep  canyons.  There  is  an  abundance  of  good  grass  on  the  plateau 
and  a  small  amount  of  good  agricultural  land  in  the  creek  bottom.  In  the 
eastern  part  is  some  good  pine  timber;  other  parts  are  timbered  with  pinon 
and  cedar.  This  township  is  crossed  by  Bio  Dolores  river  and  railroad. 
Elevation,  7,000  feet.    Rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  38  N.,  R.  15  W. — ^With  the  exception  of  small  strips  on  the 
south  and  west  portion,  this  township  is  included  in  the  Montezuma  national 
forest.  Ancient  Aztec  ruins  are  numerous.  Along  the  river  bottom  is  a  nar- 
row valley  with  rich  soil.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Distance  from  railroad, 
two  miles.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  7,000  feet. 

Township  35  N.,  R.  16  W. — This  township  has  a  large  amount  of  fine 
agricultural  lands  to  be  irrigated.  The  grass  is  most  luxuriant.  The  creeks 
flow  only  a  short  time  each  year.  There  is  a  range  of  sandstone  cliffs  about 
1,000  feet  above  the  creek,  extending  from  section  32  to  sections  24  and  25; 
this  portion  being  included  in  the  Mesa  Verde  national  park.  Aztec  ruins 
are  numerous.  Valley  lands,  valued  from  $20  to  $30;  side  hill  lands  from  $5 
to  $6  per  acre.  Distance  from  railroad^  ten  miles.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.     Elevation,  6,000  feet. 


228 Montezuma  County 

Township  36  N.,  R.  16  W. — The  surface  is  high,  rolling,  mesa  lands,  cut 
by  deep  gulches  and  canyons.  This  is  excellent  grazing  land;  much  of  it 
might  be  irrigated  and  cultivated.  Cortez,  the  county  seat  of  Montezuma 
county,  is  located  in  this  township.  There  are  scattered  cedar  and  pinon 
groves  and  a  dense  growth  of  black  sage  brush.  Value,  $12  to  $20  per  acre. 
Distance  from  railroad,  four  miles.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 6,000  feet. 

Township  37  N.,  R.  16  W. — Most  of  this  township  is  irrigated  from  the 
Rio  Dolores  and  located  in  the  Montezuma  Valley  Irrigation  district.  No 
natural  surface  water.  There  are  coal  indications  in  the  northeastern  por- 
tion of  this  township;  and  numerous  ancient  Aztec  ruins.  Value  of  vacant 
lands,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Distance  from  railroad,  three  miles.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  6,500  feet. 

Township  38  N.,  R.  16  W. — Most  of  this  township  is  high,  rolling  mesas, 
covered  with  brush,  cedar  and  timber.  There  are  coal  indications  along  the 
southern  boundary.  This  is  a  good  grazing  section  and  the  lands,  suitable 
for  irrigation,  are  already  taken  up.  Distance  from  railroad,  four  miles. 
Value,  $5  per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  7,000  feet. 

Township  39  N.,  R.  16  W. — The  greater  part  of  this  township  consists 
of  high,  rolling  mesas,  covered  with  a  heavy  growth  of  pine  timber  and 
scrub  oak  underbrush.  That  portion  of  the  township  north  of  the  Rio 
Dolores  is  included  in  the  Montezuma  national  forest.  The  Rio  Dolores 
crosses  this  township  in  a  deep  canyon  from  1,500  to  2,000  feet  in  depth. 
There  is  very  little  water  in  the  township  excepting  in  the  river.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  7,500  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  three 
miles. 

Township  34  N.,  R.  17  W. — This  township  is  mostly  mountainous  and 
barren.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Distance  from  railroad,  twenty  miles. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  6,000  feet. 

Township   35   N.,   R.    17   W.— The   surface   of   this   township   is   rolling 

Erairie  land.  There  is  fine  deep  soil,  susceptible  to  irrigation.  The  west 
alf  is  barren  and  mountainous.  Many  ancient  ruins  of  the  Cliflf  Dwellers 
are  found  here.  Value,  $5  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  6,000  feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  fifteen  miles. 

Township  36  N.,  R.  17  W.— The  soil  of  this  township  is  very  good,  but 
the  surface  is  considerably  broken  by  gulches  and  ravines.  Water  is  scarce. 
There  are  extensive  ancient  •  ruins  of  the  Cliff  Dwellers  in  the  rougher  por- 
tions. Value,  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  16  inches.  Elevation 
6,600  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  ten  miles. 

Township  37  N.,  R.  17  E. — The  western  portion  of  this  township,  in 
which  the  vacant  lands  occur,  is  quite  rough,  cut  by  deep  sandstone  canyons 
containing  ruins  of  the  villages  of  the  Cliff  Dwellers.  Surface  water  is 
scarce.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation, 
6,500  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  ten  miles. 

Township  38  N.,  R.  17  W. — The  northwestern  and  southern  portions  of 
this  township  are  mountainous,  cut  up  by  deep,  rough  sandstone  canyons, 
the  bluffs  of  which  are  covered  with  a  dense  growth  of  cedar  and  pinon. 
The  rest  is  good  grazing  land  with  heavy  sagebrush  and  good  grass.  In  Sec- 
tion 35  is  a  fine  spring,  near  which  there  are  extensive  Aztec  ruins.  Value, 
$6  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  6,600  feet.  Dis- 
tance from  railroad,  ten  miles. 


Montezuma  County  229 


Township  39  N.,  R.  17  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  mountainous 
and  covered  with  groves  of  cedar,  pinon  and  some  pine.  Sage  brush  abounds 
everywhere.  The  soil  is  good.  The  surface  is  cut  up  by  many  canyons, 
away  from  which  there  is  generally  good  grass.  The  bottom  lands  are 
good,  but  are  subject  to  overflow.  This  township  is  crossed  by  the  Rio 
Dolores,  which  runs  in  a  deep  canyon.  Distance  from  railroad,  twelve  miles. 
Value,  $5  per  acre.     Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Elevation,  7,000  feet. 

Township  35  N.,  R.  18  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  entirely 
mountainous  and  extremely  rough.  The  soil  is  rocky  and  dry,  thus  render- 
ing it  unfit  for  cultivation.  Scrubby  brush  covers  the  township.  Grass  only 
in  rainy  seasons.  There  are  slight  coal  indications  in  Section  11.  Value, 
$3.50  per  acre.  Distance  from  railroad,  twenty  miles.  Annual  rainfall,  10 
to  15  inches.    Elevation,  6,000  feet. 

Township  36  N.,  R.  18  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  mountainous, 
rough  and  rocky.  There  is  very  little  water.  There  are  some  good  lands 
in  the  valley  bottoms.  Grass  only  in  wet  seasons.  Very  little  timber. 
Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  6,000 
feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  fifteen  miles. 

Township  37  N.,  R.  18  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  exceedingly 
rough  and  mountainous,  being  cut  up  with  deep  sandstone  canyons  and 
tributaries.  Pinon  and  cedar  abound  and  sage  brush  is  luxuriant.  There 
are  many  ruins  of  the  Cliff  Dwellers.  Good  grass  on  the  sage  brush  plateaus. 
Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  6,000 
feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  fifteen  miles. 

Township  38  N.,  R.  18  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  mountainous 
and  cut  up  with  rough  canyons.  The  divides  between  these  are  covered 
with  dense  sage  brush  and  good  grass.  The  bluffs  of  the  canyons  are 
skirted  with  dense  pinons  and  cedars.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Distance  from 
railroad,  fifteen  miles.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  6,500 
feet. 

Township  39  N.,  R.  18  W. — This  is  a  good  location  for  stock  raising,  as 
there  is  good  shelter  in  the  canyons  and  clumps  of  cedar  and  pinon.  A  dense 
undergrowth  of  sage  brush  abounds;  while  in  the  creek  bottoms  there  is 
excellent  blue  grass.  The  soil  in  the  bottoms  is  productive,  but  water  is 
very  scarce.  Most  of  the  water  is  alkaline  in  character.  Value,  $3.50  to 
$5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  7,000  feet.  Dis- 
tance from  railroad,  fifteen  miles. 

Township  35  N.,  R.  19  W. — This  township  is  rough  and  mountainous. 
The  soil  is  dry  and  barren.  Grass  in  rainy  seasons  only.  Value,  $3.50  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Distance  from 
railroad,  twenty-five  miles. 

Township  36  N.,  R.  19  W.— The  surface  of  this  entire  township  is  a  rough 
and  broken  mountainous  region,  except  a  few  narrow  strips  along  the 
McElmo  and  Yellow  Jacket  creeks.  In  these  narrow  bottoms  are  some  of  the 
most  successful  orchards  in  Colorado,  and  their  products  take  prizes  when- 
ever exhibited.  There  are  numerous  Aztec  and  Cliff  Dwellers*  ruins  in  the 
canyons.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  5,000  feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  twenty  miles. 

Township  37  N.,  R.  19  W.— The  surface  of  this  township  is  rough,  rocky 
land,  destitute  of  vegetation,  excepting  for  scattering  scruboy  brush.  There 
are  some  very  narrow  bottom  lands  in  the  gulches.     There  is  no  surfac* 


230  Montezuma  County 


water  except  a  couple  of  small  springs  in  sections  30  and  25.    Value,  $3.60 

fer  acre.     Distance  from  railroad,  twenty-five  miles.     Annual  rainfall,  10  to 
5  inches.     Elevation,  6,000  feet. 

Township  38  N.,  R.  19  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  cut  by  deep, 
rocky  canyons.  Good  grazing  in  the  entire  township.  The  soil  on  the 
mesas  is  first-rate  and  would  be  very  productive  if  it  could  be  irrigated. 
Aztec  ruins  abound  on  the  mesa,  and  in  the  bottom  of  canyons,  and  in  the 
cliffs.  This  section  was  evidently  thickly  populated  by  these  little  people 
at  one  time.  Distance  from  railroad,  20  miles.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.     Elevation,  6,000  feet.     Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  39  N.,  R.  19  W. — The  eastern  and  southwestern  portions  of  this 
township  are  very  rough  and  cut)  by  deep  canyons.  The  borders  of  the 
canyons  are  covered  with  a  dense  growth  of  scrub  cedar  and  underbrush. 
The  central  and  northern  portions  consist  of  rolling  sage  brush  mesas  with 
good  soil.  Good  grazing  abounds  over  the  entire  township.  Ancient  Aztec 
ruins  in  the  southern  portion.  Distance  from  railroad,  twenty-five  miles. 
Value,  $3.50  per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  6,000  feet. 

Township  35  N.,  R.  20  W. — With  the  exception  of  the  valley  along 
McElmo  creek,  the  rest  of  the  township  is  rough,  dry  and  rocky;  covered 
with  a  scattering  growth  of  scrubby  brush.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Distance  from  railroad, 
thirty  miles. 

Township  36  N.,  R.  20  W. — With  the  exception  of  the  valley  lands 
along  the  McElmo,  the  rest  of  the  township  is  rough  and  rocky.  Grass  in 
the  rainy  season  only.  Scattering  brushwood  over  the  entire  township. 
Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Distance  from  railroad,  thirty  miles.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  5,000  feet. 

Township  37  N.,  R.  20  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  very  rough 
and  mountainous,  covered  with  scrubby  brush.  Grass  only  during  ramy  sea- 
son. No  surface  water.  Distance  from  railroad,  thirty  miles,  value,  $3.50 
per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Elevation,  5,000  feet. 

Township  38  N.,  R.  20  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  cut  by  deep 
canyons  and  the  mesas  are  heavily  timbered  with  scrub  cedar  and  pinon; 
there  is  a  dense  undergrowth  of  sage  and  buckbrush.  This  township  affords 
good  range  for  stock.  The  soil  on  the  mesa  is  of  fine  quality.  Aztec  ruins 
abound  here.  Distance  from  railroad,  thirty  miles.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Elevation,  6,000  feet. 

Township  39  N.,  R.  20  W. — The  southern  portion  of  this  township  is  cut 
by  deep  canyons,  but  the  northern  portion  is  high  rolling,  mesas,  covered 
with  sage  brush  and  scattering  pinons  and  cedars.  Good  soil  and  good 
grass,  but  a  scarcity  of  water,  value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Distance  from  rail- 
road, fifteen  miles.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  6,000  feet. 


MONTROSE  COUNTY 

MONTROSE  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  Vacant  Lands,  476,061  Acres. 

Montrose  county  is  located  in  the  west-central  portion  of  Colorado, 
adjoining  the  Utah  state  line  on  the  west.  In  this  county  is  located  the  very 
productive  Uncompahgre  valley,  irrigated  from  the  waters  of  the  Gunnison 
river,  through  a  six-mile  tunnel,  constructed  by  the  United  States  Reclamation 
service. 

This  county  is  divided  by  the  Uncompahgre  Plateau,  a  high  rolling  table 
land,  covered  with  timber  and  included  in  the  Uncompahgre  National  forest. 

The  western  portion  of  Montrose  county  is  a  fertile  country  of  valleys 
and  plateaus,  being  rapidly  developed. 

Montrose  county  is  comparatively  sparsely  settled  outside  of  the  irrigated 
districts,  the  total  population  of  the  county  being  less  than  12,000,  while  the 
population  of  Montrose,  the  county  seat  and  largest  town,  is  3,500. 

The  approximate  value  per  year  of  the  agricultural  products  is  as  follows : 

Wheat  and  other  grains $300,000.00 

Hay 650,000.00 

Vegetables 300,000.00 

Fruits  400,000.00 

Other  crops 75,000.00 

Township  47  N.,  R.  6  W. — This  township  consists  of  fine  grazing  and  agri- 
cultural land  except  in  the  southeastern  part,  which  is  composed  of  a  high 
mesa.  Most  of  the  township  can  be  irrigated.  There  is  a  scattering  growth 
of  oak,  pinon,  cedar  and  pine.  Elevation,  8,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20 
inches.    Located  six  miles  from  a  railroad.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  48  N.,  R.  6  W. — There  is  fine  grazing  and  agricultural  land  in 
this  township  except  in  the  northeastern  portion,  which  is  cut  by  canons  and 
ridges.  There  is  a  scattering  growth  of  cedar,  scrub  oak  and  pinon  timber. 
The  northern  portion  of  this  district  is  crossed  by  the  Gunnison  river  and 
railroad.  Elevation,  7,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $5  to 
$10  per  acre. 

Township  49  N.,  R.  6  W. — The  surface  is  largely  mountainous  or  high, 
rolling  mesa  land.  The  Gunnison  river  crosses  in  a  canon  of  2,000  feet  in 
depth.  There  are  several  settlers  in  the  valley  of  Crystal  creek  and  farming 
is  carried  on  to  some  extent.  Timothy  hay  and  vegetables  being  the  principal 
crops.  Most  of  this  township  consists  of  good  grazing  land.  There  are  some 
quaking  aspen  and  spruce  timber  in  the  eastern  portion.  Good  water  is  plenti- 
ful. Elevation,  7,000  to  9,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value, 
$3.50  to  $5  per  acre.    Located  two  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  50  N.,  R.  6  W. — The  surface  varies  from  valleys  to  high  ridges 
and  hills.  The  soil  of  the  valley  is  a  loam  and  that  of  the  rolling  and  hilly 
country  adobe.  Both  are  capable  of  producing  abundant  crops  under  irriga- 
tion. This  township  is  well  watered  by  numerous  streams  and  has  a  scatter- 
ing growth  of  pine,  cedar,  sage  and  oak  brush.  Elevation,  8,000  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Located  six  miles  from  a  railroad.  Value,  $S  to  $10 
per  acre, 


232  Montrose  County 


Township  51  N.,  R.  6  W. — Th6  northwestern  portion  of  this  township  is 
covered  with  a  good  growth  of  bunch  grass  and  is  well  watered  by  springs  and 
creeks.  The  northern  portion  is  mostly  made  up  of  high  adobe  ridges  and  hills, 
being  covered  with  a  thick  growth  of  cedar  and  pinon  timber.  There  are  some 
good  farm  lands  along  the  creek  bottoms.  Located  ten  miles  from  a  railroad. 
Elevation,  7,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $5  to  $10 
per  acre. 

Township  47  N.,  R.  7  W. — The  greater  portion  of  this  township  lies  at  an 
elevation  of  above  9,000  feet,  and  is  too  high  for  agricultural  purposes;  but 
this  is  an  excellent  grazing  district.  Located  five  miles  from  a  railroad.  An- 
nual rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  48  N.,  R.  7  W. — This  is  an  unsurveyed  township. 

Township  49  N.,  R.  7  W. — This  township  is  crossed  by  the  Gunnison  river, 
which  flows  through  a  canon  2,000  feet  deep,  and  also  by  a  railroad.  Only 
the  southwestern  quarter  is  surveyed;  the  balance  being  too  high  and  rough 
for  agricultural  purposes,  but  a  good  grazing  section.  The  soil  is  very  fertile 
in  the  valleys  and  on  the  mesas.  Potatoes  and  alfalfa  yield  well  where  irri- 
gated. There  is  plenty  of  scrub  cedar  and  quaking  aspen,  but  very  little  tim- 
ber suitable  for  lumber.  This  district  is  well  provided  with  spring  water. 
The  Gunnison  tunnel  is  located  in  this  township.  Elevation,  7,000  to  9,000  feet. 
Value,  $4  to  $6  per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  50  N.,  R.  7  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  quite  varied 
in  its  topography  with  many  varieties  of  soil.  This  district  is  crossed  by  the 
Black  canon  of  the  Gunnison  river,  and  there  are  high  mesas  on  each  side. 
On  the  mesa  and  in  the  gulches  the  loam  is  rich  and  capable  of  producing 
good  crops  when  irrigated.  This  district  contains  very  little  large  timber. 
The  vegetation  is  mostly  sage,  oak  brush  and  grass.  Elevation,  8,500  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Located  three  miles  from  a  railroad.  Value, 
$3.50  to  $8  per  acre.    Distance  from  railroad,  five  miles. 

Township  51  N.,  R.  7  W. — This  is  a  hilly,  mesa  country.  The  mesas  and 
valleys  have  good  soil,  capable  of  cultivation  if  irrigated.  There  is  no  large 
timber,  the  vegetation  consists  of  cedar,  sage  and  oak  brush  and  grass.  Lo- 
cated seven  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  7,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15 
to  20  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  47  N.,  R.  8  W. — This  is  principally  a  mountainous  district,  cov- 
ered with  scattering  cedar  and  pinon  timber.  There  is  thin  but  good  grass  on 
the  mountains.  There  are  good  farm  lands  in  the  valley  of  the  Uncompahgre 
river  in  the  eastern  portion,  where  the  river  crosses  the  township.  This  dis- 
trict is  well  watered  by  small  streams  in  addition  to  the  river.  Iron  ore  is 
found  in  diflFerent  portions  of  this  township.  Elevation,  6,500  to  8,500  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre.  Crossed  by  a 
railroad. 

Township  48  N.,  R.  8  W. — This  township  consists  principally  of  rough  and 
broken  land.  There  are  some  good  flats  which  would  be  very  productive  if 
irrigated,  but  water  is  very  scarce.  Elevation,  6,000  to  8,000  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  inches.  Located  two  miles  from  a  railroad.  Value,  $4  to  $8 
per  acre. 

Township  49  N.,  R.  8  W. — This  township  lies  at  the  western  portal  of  the 
Gunnison  tunnel  of  the  United  States  reclamation  service.  The  character  of 
the  township  is  generally  mountainous.  The  mountains  are  covered  with  a 
thick  growth  of  pmon  and  cedar  timber,  with  a  heavy  underbrush.    Good  grass 


Montrose  County  233 


it  to  be  found  in  the  valleys.    Elevation,  6,000  to  8,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall, 
10  to  16  inches.  Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre.    This  district  is  crossed  by  a  railroad. 

Township  50  N.,  R.  8  W. — This  is  a  mountainous,  rocky  township  crossed 
by  the  Black  canon  of  the  Gunnison  river.  It  is  covered  with  heavy  pinon 
timber  and  a  dense  underbrush.  Elevation,  6,500  to  8,000  feet.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $4  to  $5  per  acre.  Distance  from  a  railroad, 
four  miles. 

Township  51  N.,  R.  8  W. — This  is  an  exceedingly  rough  and  mountainous 
township  throughout.  It  is  located  on  the  northern  slope  of  a  high  mesa. 
There  is  no  surface  water  in  this  district.  There  is  some  very  good  soil,  but 
water  would  have  to  be  supplied  to  make  it  productive.  Dwarr  cedar  and  sage 
brush  are  found  throughout  this  section.  Elevation,  7,000  feet.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 10  to  15  inches.  Located  six  miles  from  a  railroad.  Value,  $4  to  $8 
per  acre. 

Township  47  N.,  R.  9  W. — This  township  is  wholly  mountainous  and  box 
canons  have  made  it  rough  and  broken.  No  running  water  is  to  be  found 
here.  Most  of  the  timber  has  been  cut  off.  The  Uncompaghre  river  and  rail- 
road crosses  the  northeastern  corner.  Elevation,  6,000  to  8,000  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  48  N.,  R.  9  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rough  and  moun- 
tainous. It  is  covered  with  a  dense  undergrowth  of  sage  and  oak  brush.  The 
Uncompaghre  river  and  railroad  cross  it  diagonally.  Elevation,  6,500  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  49  N.,  R.  9  W. — ^Montrose,  the  county  seat,  and  the  location  of 
the  United  States  land  office,  is  situated  in  the  southwestern  corner  of  this 
township,  which  is  crossed  by  two  railroad  lines.  This  district  contains  quite 
a  variety  of  land  from  level  plains  and  irrigated  valleys  to  mountains.  There 
is  fine  soil  in  the  bottom  lands  and  on  the  mesas,  which  are  covered  with  a 
scant  growth  of  bunch  grass.  On  the  mountains  the  soil  is  adobe  and  barren 
of  timber.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  under  10  inches.  Value, 
$5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  50  N.,  R.  9  W. — The  western  portion  consists  of  flats,  which  are 
irrigated  from  the  Gunnison  tunnel  project.  The  eastern  side  rises  to  the 
crest  of  the  divide  between  the  Gunnison  and  Uncompaghre  rivers.  Some  good 
timber  and  grazing  land  occurs  on  the  hills  and  on  the  slopes.  Elevation, 
6,000  to  7,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  under  10  inches.  Located  four  miles  from 
a  railroad.    Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  51  N.,  R.  9  W. — In  the  western  portion  there  are  two  long  val- 
leys with  a  number  of  smaller  tributaries,  all  good  soil  and  watered  from  the 
Gunnison  tunnel  project.  Originally  this  land  was  almost  barren  excepting 
for  scattering  sage  brush  and  occasionally  light  grass  in  the  valleys,  but  water 
has  turned  it  into  a  garden  spot.  The  mountains  bordering  on  the  divide  be- 
tween the  Gunnison  and  Uncompaghre  rivers  are  covered  with  a  heavy  growth 
of  cedar  timber.  Elevation,  6,000  to  7,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  under  10 
inches.    Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre  for  the  lands  above  the  canals. 

Township  47  N.,  R.  10  W. — This  township  consists  of  a  high  mesa  on  the 
northern  slope  of  the  Horse  Fly  mountain,  2,000  feet  above  the  river  valley. 
It  is  very  much  cut  up  by  deep  draws  and  canons,  especially  on  the  southern 
and  western  sides  and  has  but  very  little  permanent  water,  but  furnishes  a 
good  range  for  cattle.  In  the  southern  portion  there  is  some  excellent  pine 
timber,  which  is  in  the  Uncompaghre  national  forest.  There  is  also  a  large 
amount  of  cedar  and  pinon  timber.     Elevation,  7,000  feet.     Annual  rainfall. 


234  Montrose  County 


IS  to  20  inches.     Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.     Located  five  miles  from  a 
railroad. 

Township  48  N.,  R.  10  W. — This  township  consists  of  high  mesa  land, 
where  there  is  good  grazing  and  remarkably  fertile  soil.  In  the  northeastern 
portion,  near  Montrose,  this  land  is  under  irrigation  and  very  valuable.  An- 
nual rainfall,  15  inches.  Elevation,  6,000  to  7,000  feet.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per 
acre.    Located  one  mile  from  a  railroad. 

Township  49  N.,  R.  10  W. — This  township  is  principally  fine  mesa  land, 
mostly  under  irrigation  and  very  productive.  A  railroad  crosses  this  section 
and  Montrose,  the  county  seat,  is  only  two  miles  distant.  Elevation,  6,000 
feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  inches.    Value,  $10  to  $12  per  acre. 

Township  47  N.,  R.  11  W. — This  township  lies  on  top  of  the  northern  slope 
of  the  Uncompaghre  plateau.  The  surface  is  broken  by  deep  canons  and  moun- 
tain ranges.  Nearly  all  of  this  district  is  suitable  for  grazing  only.  There  is 
a  dense  growth  of  scrubby  spruce,  aspen  and  oak  brush  in  many  parts.  Eleva- 
tion, 8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.  Located  ten  miles  from  a 
railroad.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  48  N.,  R.  11  W. — A  rocky  and  mountainous  township  with  a 
broken,  rolling  surface.  This  district  is  cut  by  creeks,  canons  and  gulches, 
which  are  nearly  all  dry.  There  is  a  dense  growth  of  pinon,  cedar  and  scrub 
oak.  Elevation,  6,500  to  8,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Located 
six  miles  from  a  railroad.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  49  N.,  R.  11  W. — This  township  is  rough  and  broken  by  canons 
and  gulches.  The  timber  consists  of  heavy^  pinon  and  cedar,  with  a  dense 
undergrowth.  The  water  is  poor.  Elevation,  6,000  to  7,000  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre.  Located  four  miles  from 
a  railroad. 

Township  50  N.,  R.  11  W. — This  district  consists  of  rolling  mesa  land  cut 
up  by  narrow  canons  principally  on  the  west  side.  The  eastern  part  of  the 
township  is  under  a  canal.  Pinons  and  cedars  are  plentiful  in  some  portions. 
Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  inches  and  less.  Value,  $4  to  $8 
per  acre.    Located  four  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  48  N.,  R.  12  W. — This  is  a  mountainous  township.  The  whole 
western  portion  is  included  in  the  Uncompaghre  national  forest.  The  surface 
is  generally  rough  and  rocky;  broken  by  creeks  and  canons.  There  is  a  heavy 
growth  of  aspen  and  spruce  timber  with  a  dense  growth  of  scrub  oak  brush 
and  aspen.  Located  ten  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  8,000  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.    Value,  $3.50  $5  per  acre. 

Township  49  N.,  R.  12  W. — This  is  a  rough  and  rocky  township,  mostly  in- 
cluded in  the  Uncompaghre  national  forest.  The  surface  is  broken  by  numer- 
ous creeks  and  canons.  It  is  heavily  wooded  with  pinon  and  cedar,  with  a 
dense  undergrowth.  Elevation,  7,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Located  ten  miles  from  a  railroad.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  50  N.,  R.  12  E. — This  is  an  extremely  rough,  broken  country,  cut 
by  canons  and  gulches,  which  are  mostly  dry.  It  is  heavily  wooded  and  cov- 
ered with  a  dense  undergrowth  of  pinon,  cedar  and  some  scattering  cotton- 
wood  trees  along  the  creek  bottoms.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall, 
10  to  15  inches.    Located  ten  miles  from  a  railroad.    Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  51  N.,  R.  12  W. — This  township  is  broken  by  canons  and  creeks, 
which  are  mostly  dry.    It  is  heavily  wooded  and  has  a  dense  undergrowth  of 


Montrose  County  286 


pinon  and  sage  brush,  also  considerable  cactus.  Elevation,  6,600  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  less  than  10  inches.  Located  three  miles  from  a  railroad.  Value,  $4 
to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  46  N.,  R.  13  W. — This  township  is  very  rough  and  mountainous 
The  only  lands  classified  as  good  agricultural  lands  consist  of  about  eighty 
acres  each  in  sections  6  and  11.  The  deep  rocky  canons  occupy  a  large  part  of 
the  territory.  The  township  is  well  covered  with  cedar,  pinon  and  oak  brush. 
Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5 
per  acre.    Located  eighteen  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  49  N.,  R.  13  W. — Rough  uplands,  intersected  by  numerous 
canons  and  gulches.  The  southern  portion  is  covered  with  spruce,  pine  and 
aspen,  and  is  included  in  the  Uncompahgre  national  forest.  The  northern 
portion  is  covered  with  pinon,  cedar,  and  a  dense  undergrowth  of  scrub  oak 
and  other  brush.  This  township  is  well  watered  by  small  springs  and  creeks. 
The  land  is  more  fit  for  grazing  than  agriculture.  Elevation,  7,000  to  8,000 
feet.  Annual  rainfall,  20  inches.  Located  fifteen  miles  from  a  railroad. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  50  N.,  R.  13  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rough  uplands, 
intersected  by  numerous  canons  and  covered  with  cedar,  pinon,  scrub  oak  and 
sage  brush.  Water  is  scarce.  This  land  is  only  fit  for  pasturage.  Elevation, 
6,000  to  7,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Located  ten  miles  from 
a  railroad.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  51  N.,  R.  13  W. — This  township  is  composed  of  rough  uplands, 
with  the  exception  of  the  valley  of  the  Escalante  river,  where  the  soil  is  sandy 
loam.  There  is  plenty  of  water  for  irrigation.  The  balance  of  the  township 
is  only  suited  for  pasturage.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Elevation,  5,500 
feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Located  five  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  46  N.,  R.  14  W, — This  is  a  very  rough,  mountainous  township  on 
the  western  slope  of  the  Uncompaghre  plateau.     It  is  covered  with  a  heavy 

frowth  of  pinon  timber.    The  agricultural  lands  are  in  the  San  Miguel  canon, 
llevation,  6,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  20  inches.    Located  eighteen  miles  from 
a  railroad.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  47  N.,  R.  14  W. — The  entire  township  is  mountainous  and  much 
cut  up  by  deep  canons.  There  are  no  agricultural  lands  to  be  found  here. 
The  surface  is  generally  covered  with  cedar,  pinon  and  scrub  oak.  Located 
twenty-five  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  7,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  20 
to  25  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  46  N.,  R.  15  W. — In  general,  the  surface  is  mostly  mountainous 
and  rocky,  although  there  are  some  good  lands  in  sections  7,  8,  9,  10,  15,  16,  17 
and  18.    More  than  three-fourths  of  the  township  is  covered  with  heavy  tim- 
ber.   Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Elevation,  6,000  feet.    Located  twenty 
five  miles  from  a  railroad.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  47  N.,  R.  15  W. — This  is  an  exceedingly  rugged  and  mountain- 
ous township.  It  is  practically  arid.  There  is  a  heavy  growth  of  pinon  and 
cedars  covering  nearly  the  entire  township,  with  some  pine  timber  in  spots. 
Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Located  thirty  miles 
from  a  railroad.    Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  48  N.,  R.  15  W. — A  very  rough  and  mountainous  township.  The 
southern  half  is  covered  with  dense  underbrush  and  scattering  growth  oi  heavy 
yellow  pine  timber.  The  northern  and  western  portions  are  well  watered  by 
numerous  springs.    The  abundance  of  water,  together  with  a  good  growth  of 


Montrose  County 


f'ass,  makes  excellent  grazing.     Located  thirty-five  miles  from  a  railroad, 
levation,  6,000  feet.     Annual  rainfall,  16  to  20  inchei.     Value,  $3.60  to  $6 
per  acre. 

Township  46  N.,  R.  16  W. — Some  good  grazing  lands  and  some  irrigated 
lands  are  to  be  found  in  the  canon  of  San  Miguel.  In  general,  the  surface  of 
the  township  is  rough  and  rocky  with  scattering  timber,  principally  heavy 
pinon.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  ot  20  inches.  Located  thirty 
miles  from  a  railroad.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  47  N.,  R.  16  W. — This  is  an  extremely  rough  and  mountainous 
section.  The  greater  portion  is  covered  with  pinon  timber.  There  are  some 
clumps  of  cottonwoods  along  the  San  Miguel  river.  No  farming  land  is  to  be 
found  here.  Some  of  the  land  is  utilized  for  grazing.  There  are  several  min- 
eral claims  throughout  this  district.  Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall, 
15  to  20  inches.  Located  thirty-five  miles  from  a  railroad.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5 
per  acre. 

Township  48  N.,  R.  16  W. — The  surface  is  rough  and  broken  by  deep 
canons.  There  are  no  farming  lands  here.  Pinon  timber  abounds  in  this 
township,  except  in  the  two  northern  tiers,  which  have  a  dense  growth  of 
scrub  oak  and  aspen.  Located  thirty  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  6,000 
feet.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  49  N.,  R.  16  W. — This  township  is  very  rough  and  broken 
throughout.  It  is  covered  with  scrub  oak  and  some  good  yellow  pine  timber. 
The  grass  is  good  and  there  is  an  abundance  of  water,  making  this  a  good 
grazing  country.  Located  thirty  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  6,000  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  46  N.,  R.  17  W. — The  upper  end  of  the  Paradox  valley  in  this 
township  contains  excellent  feed  for  cattle.  The  rest  of  the  township  is 
mountainous  with  low  cedar  and  pinon  trees.  The  only  water  found  in  this 
district  is  in  section  24.  Located  thirty-six  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation. 
6,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Value,  $5  per  acre. 

Township  47  N.,  R.  17  W. — This  is  a  high,  mountainous  region.  The  land 
is  mostly  worthless.  Some  placer  mining  for  gold  is  being  carried  on.  Some 
good  pine  timber.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  4  to  10  inches.  Lo- 
cated thirty-five  miles  from  a  railroad.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  48  N.,  R.  17  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  very  moun- 
tainous. Much  of  it  is  broken  by  deep,  inaccessible  canons.  It  contains  some 
grazing  land  in  the  eastern  portion,  known  as  Pierson's  range.  Elevation, 
6,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  inches.  Located  thirty-six  miles  from  a  rail- 
road.   Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  46  N.,  R.  18  W. — This  township  is  very  rough  and  badly  cut  up 
by  ravines  and  canons,  which  are  impassable  in  many  places.  The  soil  in 
general  is  of  little  value.  There  is  some  fair  timber  in  the  southern  part,  it 
is  mostly  scattering.  Located  forty-five  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation, 
6,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $3.50  per  acre. 

Township  47  N.,  R.  18  W. — The  surface  is  mostly  mountainous  and  cut 
by  many  canons.  The  river  bottoms  along  the  Dolores  river  contains  good 
soil  and  in  the  northwestern  portion  the  land  is  rolling  and  the  soil  first 
quality.  The  timber  is  mostly  pinon  and  cedar  with  some  heavy  pine.  Locat- 
ed forty  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Value,  $3.60  to  $5 
per  acre, 


Montrose  County  237 


Township  48  N.,  R.  18  W. — The  eastern  portion  is  badly  cut  up  by  the 
Dolores  canon.  There  is  fine  white,  red  and  brown  sandstone  found  in  the 
western  portion  and  some  heavy  pine  timber  in  the  northwestern  part.  There 
is  a  scattering  growth  of  pinon  and  cedar  on  the  mountain  sides  and  some 
spruce  in  the  canons.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Located  thirty-five  miles  from  a  railroad.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  46  N.,  R.  19  W. — The  land  is  rolling  and  broken,  but  aflFords 
excellent  grazing.  There  is  a  scattering  growth  of  cedars  and  pinons.  Water 
can  be  had  in  limited  quantities  from  the  gullies  and  ravines.  This  township 
is  crossed  by  the  Dolores  river.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to 
15  inches.    Located  fifty  miles  from  a  railroad.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  47  N.,  R.  19  W. — This  is  a  good  grazing  country.  The  agricul- 
tural lands  are  in  the  northeastern  portion.  Water  can  be  obtained  from  the 
streams  in  limited  quantities.  There  is  some  scattering  pine  and  pinon  tim- 
ber on  the  mesas.  Located  forty  miles  from  a  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  10 
to  16  inches.    Elevation,  6,600  feet.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  48  N.,  R.  19  W. — The  northern  portion  is  rolling  mesa  land. 
There  is  a  scattering  growth  of  pine  timber  and  some  good  bunch  grass,  mak- 
ing this  a  fine  grazing  district.  The  remainder  is  fine  farming  and  grazing 
land.  There  is  an  abundance  of  water.  This  township  is  located  north  of  the 
Paradox  valley.  Elevation,  6,600  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  16  inches. 
Value,  $3.60  to  $6  per  acre.    Forty  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  47  N.,  R.  20  W. — The  soil  along  La  Sal  creek  is  very  fertile  and 
the  valley  is  occupied  for  its  entire  length  by  settlers.  In  other  parts  the  soil 
in  this  township  is  good,  but  too  rocky  for  cultivation.  There  are  several 
uranium  prospects  in  this  district.  On  the  hills  there  is  a  heavy  growth  of 
cedar  and  pinons,  with  a  scattering  growth  of  pines.  Elevation,  7,000  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  16  inches.  Value,  $3.60  to  $6  per  acre.  Distance  from 
railroad,  forty  miles. 

For  township  45  N.,  ranges  9  to  20  W.  see  San  Miguel  county. 


MORGAN   COUNTY 

STERLING  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  Vacant  Lands,  52,135  Acres. 
DENVER  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  Vacant  Lands,  27,540  Acres. 

Morgan  county  is  located  in  northeastern  Colorado.  It  is  thirty- six 
miles  square.  It  is  crossed  east  and  west  by  the  South  Platte  river.  A  por- 
tion of  the  county  is  valley  land  under  irrigation  and  in  a  high  state  of  culti- 
vation. 

Fort  Morgan  is  the  county  seat,  and  is  a  prosperous  town  of  about  3,000. 
The  next  town  of  importance  is  Brush,  with  a  population  of  1,000.  The  pop- 
ulation of  the  entire  county  is  10,000. 

Morgan  county  has  good  railroad  facilities;  has  sugar  beet  factories 
and  is  an  industrious  district. 

The  approximate  value  per  year  of  the  agricultural  products  is  as  follows: 

Wheat  and  other  grains $350,000.00 

Hay  and  forage  crops 400,000.00 

Vegetables 100,000.00 

Sugar  beets 500,000.00 

STERLING  LAND  DISTRICT. 

Township  1  N.,  R.  55  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling  prairie. 
Beaver  creek  runs  across  it,  along  which  there  are  a  few  scattered  cottonwoods. 
The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam  covered  with  a  good  growth  of  buffalo  grass.  This 
land  is  suitable  for  farming.  Value,  $12  to  $15  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10 
to  15  inches.    Elevation,  4,500  feet.    Ten  miles  from  arilroad. 

Township  2  N.,  R.  55  W.— The  surface  is  generally  high  and  rolling.  This 
land  is  a  good  cattle  range  and  is  covered  with  natural  bunch  and  buffalo 
grass.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam.  There  is  no  surface  water  excepting  in  Big 
Beaver  creek,  in  the  extreme  western  portion.  Value,  $10  to  $15  per  acre. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,500  feet.  Four  miles  from  the 
railroad. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  55  W. — The  surface  is  gently  rolling.  The  soil  is  quite 
sandy  and  is  covered  with  a  good  growth  of  grass.  Not  considered  desirable 
for  anything  but  grazing.  Value,  $9  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to 
15  inches.    Elevation,  4,400  feet.     The  railroad  crosses  this  township. 

Township  4  N.,  R.  55  W.— The  South  Platte  river  crosses  the  northwestern 
corner  of  this  township.  The  vacant  lands  are  in  the  southeastern  portion. 
The  soil  here  is  undulating  and  sandy;  it  is  covered  with  sand  grass  and 
other  grasses.  Value  of  vacant  land,  $8  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10 
to  15  inches.    Elevation,  4,200  feet.    Three  railroads  cross  this  township. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  55  W. — The  surface  is  generally  rolling.  The  South 
Platte  river  and  railroad  cross  the  southeast  corner.  The  vacant  lands  are  in 
the  central  portion.  The  surface  of  these  is  rolling.  The  soil  is  sandy  and 
covered  with  a  good  growth  of  grass.  No  surface  water.  Value,  $10  to  $12 
per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  4,300  feet. 

Township  6  N.,  R.  55  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land.  The  soil 
is  a  clay  loam.  It  is  a  good  grazing  section.  No  surface  water  or  timber. 


Morgan  County  239 


Value,  $10  to  $16  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,300 
feet.     Two  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  1  N.,  R.  56  W. — The  surface  is  gently  rolling  prairie  land.  The 
soil  is  a  light  sandy  loam.  There  is  good  grazing.  No  surface  water.  The  an- 
nual rainfall  is  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,500  feet.  Value,  $12  to  $15  per 
acre.     Eleven  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  2  N.,  R.  56  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  and  hilly  excepting  along 
Beaver  creek.  There  are  some  bad  sand  hills  on  which  the  land  is  of  little 
value.  In  other  parts  there  are  level  lands.  Good  grazing  everywhere.  Value, 
$4  to  $15  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,400  feet.  Five 
miles  from  railroad. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  56  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  partially  level 
and  partly  hilly.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam.  There  is  no  surface  water,  ex- 
cepting along  Beaver  creek,  which  runs  through  the  eastern  portion.  This 
township  is  crossed  by  the  railroad.  There  is  some  irrigated  land  in  it.  Value, 
$10  to  $12  per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Elevation,  4,400  feet. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  56  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie.  This  township  is 
crossed  diagonally  by  the  Riverside  canal.  The  vacant  lands  are  on  the  north- 
ern side  above  the  canal.  The  soil  is  good  sandy  loam.  There  is  no  surface 
water.  It  is  fine  grazing  land.  Value,  $10  to  $15  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10 
to  15  inches.    Elevation,  4,400  feet.    Two  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  6  N.,  R.  56  W. — The  surface  is  gently  rolling  prairie  land.  The 
soil  is  a  black  sandy  loam  covered  with  buffalo  grass  and  cactus.  This  is 
good  agricultural  land.  No  surface  water.  Value,  $10  to  $20  per  acre.  An- 
nual rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  4,500  feet.    Four  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  57  W. — The  surface  is  undulating.  The  soil  is  a  sandy 
loam  covered  with  good  grass.  There  is  surface  water  in  places.  Value,  $10 
to  $16  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,500  feet.  Four 
miles  from  railroad. 

Township  6  N.,  R.  57  W. — The  surface  is  undulating.  The  soil  is  a  clay 
loam  covered  with  buffalo  grass  and  cactus  in  places.  There  is  no  surface 
water.  Value,  $8  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 4,600  feet.     Six  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  58  W. — The  surface  is  generally  hilly.  The  soil  varies 
from  a  clay  loam  to  a  sandy  loam.  Some  portions  of  this  township  are  suit- 
able for  cultivation  and  can  be  irrigated.  Good  grazing  over  the  entire  town- 
ship. Value,  $6  to  $18  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation, 
4,500  feet.  Two  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  6  N.,  R.  58  W. — In  the  northern  portion  the  surface  is  compar- 
atively level;  but  broken  in  the  southern  part.  The  soil  is  a  clay  loam.  It 
is  fair  grazing  land.  There  is  some  timber  along  Wild  Cat  creek  and  in  the 
gulches.  Value,  $8  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 4,600  feet.     Six  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  59  W. — The  surface  is  undulating.  The  soil  is  a  clay 
loam.  There  is  a  good  growth  of  buffalo  and  gramma  grasses.  Good  build- 
ing stone  on  sections  1  and  2,  with  indications  of  iron  on  the  surface.  Value, 
$12  to  $15  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,500  feet. 
The  railroad  runs  through  the  southern  portion  of  this  township. 

Township  6  N.,  R.  59  W. — In  the  central  portion  the  surface  is  slightly 
rolling,  with  a  loamy  soil.-^   It  is  good  for  grazing.     The  eastern  portion  is 


240  Morgan  County 


rolling,  with  a  very  sandy  soil,  covered  with  sage  brush  and  grass.  Wild  Cat 
creek  has  water  in  a  number  of  places.  Value,  $9  to  $15  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,600  feet.  Five  miles  from  railroad. 

DENVER  LAND  DISTRICT. 

Township  1  N.,  R.  57  W. — The  surface  is  undulating;  some  portions  fairly 
level.  The  soil  varies  from  a  sandy  loam  to  a  clay  loam;  it  is  covered  with 
a  fair  growth  of  native  grasses.  There  is  no  surface  water  aside  from  the 
Badger  creek.  Value,  $10  to  $15  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  4,500  feet.    Fourteen  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  2  N.,  R.  57  W. — The  surface  varies  from  level  to  rolling  prairie; 
the  soil  from  clay  loam  to  sandy  loam.  There  is  a  good  natural  growth  of 
grass.  No  surface  water.  Some  portions  of  the  land  are  especially  good,  and 
natural  hay  can  be  cut.  Value,  $10  to  $25  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.  Elevation,  4,400  feet.  Six  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  57  W. — The  southern  portion  of  this  township,  in  which 
the  vacant  lands  are  located,  is  high  rolling  prairie  land.  The  soil  is  quite 
sandy.  Fairly  good  grazing.  No  surface  water.  Value,  $9  to  $12  per  acre. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,400  feet.  One  mile  from  the 
railroad. 

Township  4  N.,  R.  57  W. — The  South  Platte  river  crosses  the  southern 
portion  of  this  township;  also  the  railroad.  Most  of  this  township  is  irrigated. 
The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam.  The  vacant  lands  are  above  the  irrigation  ditches. 
Value,  $10  to  $15  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,400 
feet. 

Township  1  N.,  R.  58  W. — The  surface  is  generally  rolling;  there  are  some 
level  portions  and  some  hilly  portions.  The  soil  is  sandy,  covered  with  native 
grasses.  Fair  grazing.  There  is  no  surface  water.  Value,  $5  to  $16  per  acre. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,800  feet.  Eleven  miles  from 
railroad. 

Township  2  N.,  R.  58  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  generally  roll- 
ing, with  sand  hills  in  places.  The  soil  is  sandy  in  some  parts  and  clay  loam 
in  others.  This  land  is  of  little  value  except  for  stock-raising  purposes. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $6  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,600 
feet.    Five  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  58  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  a  level,  sandy 
prairie;  the  northern  portions  are  irrigated;  the  southern  portion  above  the 
irrigated  lands  is  level.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam.  Value,  $12  to  $15  per  acre. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,500  feet.  This  township  is 
crossed  by  railroad. 

Township  4  N.,  R.  58  W. — This  township  lies  in  a  well  settled  irrigated 
district.  The  only  vacant  lands  are  worthless,  lying  in  the  sandy  bottoms  of 
the  Platte  river. 

Township  1  N.,  R.  59  W. — The  surface  varies  from  level  to  undulating; 
the  soil  from  clay  to  sandy  loam.  There  is  good  grazing.  No  surface  water 
excepting  in  Bijou  creek  part  of  the  year.  Value,  $9  to  $15  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Elevation,  4,800  feet.     Fifteen  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  2  N.,  R.  59  W. — The  surface  is  undulating.  The  soil  is  sandy 
and  covered  with  native  grasses.  Fair  grazing.  There  is  no  water  for  stock 
or  irrigation.  Value,  $9  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  16  inches.  Ele- 
vation, 4,700  feet.  Five  miles  from  the  railroad. 


Morgan  County  241 


Township  3  N.,  R.  59  W. — The  surface  is  generally  undulating.  The  soil 
is  very  sandy.  There  is  a  fair  growth  of  sand  and  other  grasses.  There  is 
no  surface  water.  Value,  $10  to  $15  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  4,500  feet.  The  railroad  crosses  the  northern  portion  of  this  town- 
ship. 

Township  1  N.,  R.  60  W. — The  land  in  this  township  is  principally  second 
rate.  It  makes  excellent  pasture.  The  surface  is  slightly  rolling.  Loamy  soil 
in  parts;  other  parts,  adobe  and  gumbo.  Water  stands  in  ponds  after  the 
rainy  season.  Value,  $3.50  to  $15  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  4,800  feet.    Eight  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  60  W. — The  surface  is  slightly  rolling.  The  soil  is  a 
sandy  loam;  sandy  in  some  places.  There  is  good  grazing  and  some  natural 
hay  land.  This  township  is  crossed  diagonally  by  the  railroad.  Some  of  the 
lands  can  be  irrigated.  Value,  $7.50  to  $25  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to 
15  inches.     Elevation,  4,500  feet. 

Township  4  N.,  R.  60  W. — This  township  is  crossed  by  the  South  Platte 
river.  What  little  vacant  land  there  is,  is  south  of  the  river  and  of  little 
value. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  60  W. — The  surface  is  prairie  land,  slightly  rolling. 
This  is  first-class  grazing  land,  and  is  covered  with  gramma,  buffalo  grass 
and  cactus.  The  southern  portion  of  this  township  is  irrigated.  There  is  building 
stone  in  the  northeast  corner.  Value,  $7  to  $20  per  acre.  Annual  ranifall,  10 
to  16  inches.    Elevation,  4,500  feet.  Six  miles  from  the  railroad. 


OTERO   COUNTY 

PUEBLO  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  Vacant  Land,  277,717  Acres. 

Otero  county  is  located  in  the  southeastern  portion  of  Colorado  and  is 
crossed  by  the  Arkansas  river.  The  river  valley  is  very  wide  and  fertile  in 
this  county. 

The  county  seat  is  La  Junta,  with  a  population  of  4,500.  Other  important 
and  well  known  towns  are:  Rocky  Ford,  the  birthplace  of  the  famous  Rocky 
Ford  cantaloupe,  with  a  population  of  3,500;  Manzanola,  with  a  population 
of  500,  and  Swink,  with  a  population  of  350.    Total  population,  14,000. 

The  approximate  value  per  year  of  the  agricultural  products  of  Otero 
county  is  as  follows: 

Sugar  beets $   700,000.00 

Wheat  and  other  grains 350,000.00 

Hay    900,000.00 

Vegetables  350,000.00 

Fruits  and  other  crops 1,000,000.00 

Township  21  S.,  R.  54  W. — The  surface  is  a  level  prairie,  slightly  rolling 
in  places.  The  soil  is  adobe  in  some  places  and  sandy  in  others.  It  is  rich, 
heavy  soil  with  enough  loam  to  make  it  work  well.  A  corner  of  the  town- 
ship is  touched  by  railroad.  Value,  $7.50  to  $15  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall, 
10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  4,000  feet. 

Township  22  S.,  R.  54  W.— The  surface  is  generally  level.  The  soil  is  of 
medium  quality,  covered  with  good  grass.  No  surface  water.  A  consid- 
erable portion  of  this  township  is  under  irrigation.  Value,  $6  to  $15  per  acre. 
Elevation,  4,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  23  S.,  R.  54  W. — ^In  this  township  there  are  fine  bottom  lands 
along  the  Arkansas  river;  above  these  are  low  hills  and  bunch  lands.  There 
is  some  timber  along  the  river.  The  soil  is  light  clay  and  gravelly.  Railroad 
crosses  the  township.  Value,  $5  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.    Elevation,  4,000  feet. 

Township  24  S.,  R.  54  W. — The  vacant  lands  in  this  township  are  in  the 
central  and  southern  part,  where  the  land  is  partially  hilly  and  partially  high 
plains.  The  land  is  of  indifferent  quality  and  is  poor  for  grazing.  Value,  $5 
to  $7  per  acre.  This  township  is  crossed  by  the  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  10 
to  15  inches.    Elevation,  4,000  feet. 

Township  25  S.,  R.  54  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  and  mostly  hills  of  lime- 
stone formation;  there  are  also  indications  of  iron.  In  some  portions  the  soil 
is  very  good.  Plenty  of  water.  Value,  $3.50  to  $7  per  acre.  Six  miles  from 
the  railroad.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  4,500  feet. 

Township  26  S.,  R.  54  W. — The  northwestern  portion  is  a  rolling  prairie; 
the  balance,  excepting  along  the  Las  Animas  river,  is  quite  broken  and  rocky. 
Along  the  river  is  nine  miles  of  bottom  land  from  one  and  one-half  to  two 
miles  in  width.  The  soil  is  rich  and  fertile.  All  of  this  land  is  under  culti- 
vation. The  open  lands  are  in  general  of  inferior  quality,  covered  with  a 
considerable  growth  of  scrub  cedar,  suitable  only  for  grazing.  Value,  $3.50  to 
$7  per  acre.  Ten  miles  from  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Ele- 
ration,  4,500  feet. 


Otero  County  248 


Township  27  S.,  R.  54  W.— The  eastern  one-third  of  this  township  is  com- 
paratively level.  The  soil  is  first  rate  with  abundance  of  water  for  grazing; 
The  other  part  is  only  good  for  stock  raising.  The  soil  in  the  uplands  is  a 
light  clav  loam.  There  is  a  fair  growth  of  native  grasses,  treecactus  and  a 
few  scrub  cedars.  Value,  $3.50  to  $7  per  acre.  Eighteen  miles  from  railroad. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  4,500  feet. 

Township  22  S.,  R.  55  W. — The  vacant  lands  in  this  township  are  in  the 
northern  and  western  portions.  They  are  principally  rolling  mesa  lands. 
The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam  with  a  fair  stand  of  buffalo  grass.  There 
is  no  surface  water.  Value,  $6  to  $12  per  acre.  Railroad  crosses  the  southern 
portion  of  this  township.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,000 
feet. 

Township  23  S.,  R.  55  W. — The  only  vacant  lands  in  this  township  lie  in 
the  bluffs  on  the  northern  side  of  the  Arkansas  river.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre. 
The  railroad  crosses  the  township.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation, 
4,000  feet. 

Township  24  S.,  R.  55  W. — The  vacant  lands  in  this  township  are  in  the 
southern  portion  in  the  rough  and  broken  lands  above  the  Otero  canal.  This 
township  is  crossed  by  railroad.  Value,  $4  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.     Elevation,  4,000  feet. 

Township  25  S.,  R.  55  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land  broken  by 
numerous  arroyos  in  which  water  may  be  found.  There  is  good  grazing  over 
the  entire  township.  Destitute  of  timber.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam.  One 
mile  from  railroad.  Value,  $6  to  $12  per  acre.  Elevation,  4,500  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  26  S.,  R.  55  W. — The  surface  is  undulating  mesa  land,  rolling 
in  places.  The  soil  is  loamy  with  a  fair  growth  of  native  grasses.  There  is 
no  surface  water.  Some  scrub  cedars.  Five  miles  from  railroad.  Value,  $6 
to  $12  per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  4,500  feet. 

Township  27  S.,  R.  55  W. — The  surface  is  principally  high  rolling  prairie 
land,  hilly  in  places.  This  township  is  crossed  by  the  Picket  Wire  river,  which 
runs  through  a  canyon.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to 
15  inches.     Elevation,  4,500  feet. 

Township  22  S.,  R.  56  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  slightly  roll- 
ing. Only  the  two  southern  tiers  of  sections  are  included  in  Otero  county.  They 
are  gently  undulating  prairie  lands  above  the  irrigation  canals  along  the 
Arkansas  river.  The  soil  is  light  clay  loam.  There  is  no  surface  water  for 
stock  although  the  ground  is  covered  with  good  grasses.  Railroad  crosses 
the  southeastern  corner  of  the  township.  Value,  $5  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  4,000  feet. 

Township  25  S.,  R.  56  W. — This  township  is  crossed  diagonally  by  a  rail, 
road.  The  surface  is  partly  level  and  partly  rolling  prairie.  The  soil  is  a 
good  clay  loam  and  adapted  for  grazing  purposes  and  for  the  cultivation  of 
wheat  and  other  grains.  There  is  a  fair  stand  of  native  buffalo  grass.  Value, 
$8  to  $10  per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  4,500  feet. 

Township  26  S.,  R.  56  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  land,  sloping  north- 
ward. This  section  at  the  present  time  is  unfenced  open  range  and  used  for 
sheep  grazing.  There  is  a  fair  amount  of  poor  timber.  Some  water.  The  soil 
ii  a  heavy  clay  loam;  it  might  be  suitable  for  wheat.  One  mile  from  the 
yailrpad.    Elevation,  4,600  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 


244  Otero  County 


Township  37  S.,  R.  56  W.— This  township  is  located  at  the  crest  of  a 
mesa,  sloping  gradually  to  the  north.  It  is  broken  by  some  deep  and  roug[h 
canyons  and  perpendicular  bare  rock  cliffs.  A  small  portion  is  rolling  prairie 
land.  The  soil  varies  from  light  clay  loam  to  gravelly.  There  are  scattering 
cedars.  There  is  some  surface  water.  Located  six  miles  from  railroad.  Value, 
$3.50  to  $5  per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  4,800  feet. 

Township  23  S.,  R.  57  W. — This  township  lies  principally  in  the  Arkansas 
valley.  Adjoining  on  the  east  is  the  town  of  Rocky  Ford.  All  of  the  northern 
portion  of  this  township  is  under  irrigation  and  a  high  state  of  cultivation. 
The  vacant  lands  are  above  the  canal  in  the  southern  portion  of  the  town- 
ship. They  are  undulating  with  loamy  soil  covered  with  a  fair  growth  of 
grasses.  Value,  $10  to  $15  per  acre.  Railroad  crosses  the  northeast  corner  of 
the  township.    Elevation,  4,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  24  S.,  R.  57  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  principally  un- 
dulating prairie  land.  The  soil  is  covered  with  a  fair  growth  of  native  grasses. 
The  eastern  portion  of  this  township  is  under  irrigation  and  is  highly  cul- 
tivated. Four  miles  from  railroad.  Value,  $8  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 10  to  15  inches.     Elevation,  4,500  feet. 

Township  25  S.,  R.  57  W. — The  uplands  of  this  township,  in  which  the 
vacant  lands  accur,  are  rolling  and  ratner  rough  and  gravelly.  The  soil  is  a 
sandy  loam  in  some  portions.  Dry  creek  is  dry  by  nature  as  well  as  by 
name.  Railroad  crosses  the  southeast  corner  of  the  township,  as  does  the 
Santa  Fe  Trail  automobile  route.  Value,  $8  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall, 
10  to  15  inches.     Elevation,  4,500  feet. 

Township  26  S.,  R.  57  W. — This  township  is  crossed  diagonally  by  the 
railroad  and  Timpas  creek.  There  is  very  little  running  water  in  the  creek 
but  there  are  standing  pools.  The  surface  is  generally  rolling  with  some 
bluffs  and  limestone  hills  in  the  central  portion.  There  are  some  natural  hay 
lands.  This  township  affords  good  grazing.  There  are  a  few  cottonwoods 
along  Timpas  creek.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  4,500  feet. 

Township  27  S.,  R.  57  W. — At  the  present  time  this  township  is  a  sheep- 
grazing  country,  although  in  the  center  of  the  township  the  land  is  of  fair 
quality.  The  soil  is  loamy  and  covered  with  grasses.  Along  the  southern 
boundary  limestone  bluffs  break  the  surface.  Here  the  soil  is  gravelly.  There 
are  a  few  scrub  cedars.  Not  much  surface  water.  The  grass  is  fairly  good 
throughout  the  township.  Two  miles  from  railroad.  Value,  $5  to  $7  per  acre. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  5,000  feet. 

Township  22  S.,  R.  58  W. — This  township  lies  principally'  in  the  fertile 
Arkansas  valley.  It  is  crossed  by  the  Arkansas  river  and  railroad.  The  va- 
cant lands  are  in  the  extreme  southern  part  of  the  township  and  above  the 
high  line  canal.  The  soil  is  of  very  poor  quality  here  but  provides  fair  pas- 
turage. Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to 
15  inches. 

Township  23  S.,  R.  58  W. — This  township  is  fairly  level,  sloping  gently 
to  the  north.  Some  portions  of  it  are  under  irrigation.  The  soil  is  good  clay 
loam,  with  a  fair  stand  of  buffalo  grass.  One  mile  from  railroad.  Value,  $5  to 
$12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  4,000  feet. 

Township  24  S.,  R.  58  W. — ^Most  of  this  township  is  under  irrigation,  es- 
pecially the  prairie  lands.  Some  of  it  is  high,  arid,  rolling  land  without  sur- 
face water.  Value,  $6  to  $10  per  acre.  Located  six  miles  from  railroad.  An- 
nual rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  4,500  feet. 


Otero  County  246 


Township  25  S.,  R.  58  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  gently  roUins 
prairie  land.  Good  clay  loam  soil.  No  surface  water  but  abundance  of  good 
grass.  Located  three  miles  from  railroad.  Value,  $6  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,600  feet. 

Township  26  S.,  R.  58  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  fairly  level, 
sloping  gently  to  the  east.  The  southeast  corner  is  crossed  by  Timpas  creek 
and  railroad.  The  soil  is  light  clay  loam.  There  is  surface  water  in  the  creeks 
and  in  large  pools  of  standing  water.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,800  feet. 

Township  27  S.,  R.  58  W. — This  township  is  crossed  diagonally  by  Timpas 
creek  and  railroad.  The  soil  along  Timpas  creek  is  good.  In  the  other  portion 
of  the  township  the  surface  is  broken.  Indifferent  soil  with  lime  ridges.  There 
is  a  scattered  growth  of  cedar  and  pinon.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Eelvation, 
5,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  23  S.,  R.  59  W. — There  is  very  little  vacant  land  in  this  town- 
ship. It  is  located  in  the  northern  portion  just  above  Rocky  Ford  high  line 
canal.  The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land  and  rough  hills.  Fair  grazing.  Three 
miles  from  railroad.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  24  S.,  R.  59  W. — The  eastern  portion  of  this  township,  in  which 
the  vacant  lands  occur,  is  a  rolling  prairie.  The  soil  is  of  fair  quality  and 
well  adapted  to  stock  raising.  Portions  of  this  township  are  irrigated.  Nine 
miles  from  railroad.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.    Elevation,  4,600  feet. 

Township  25  S.,  R.  59  W. — Most  of  this  township  is  rolling  prairie  land 
with  a  fair  stand  of  buffalo  grass.  No  water  except  along  Apishapa  river  in 
the  northeastern  portion  of  the  township.  The  lands  in  the  river  bottoms  are 
very  fine.  Six  miles  from  railroad.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Elevation, 
4,500  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  26  S.,  R.  59  W. — Portions  of  this  township  are  rou^h  and  hilly; 
other  parts  nice  rolling  prairie  land.  The  soil  is  gravelly.  There  is  no  surface 
water.  Good  stand  of  grass,  affording  excellent  grazing.  Nearly  the  entire 
township  could  be  considered  as  elevated  table  land.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  16 
inches.     Elevation,  4,800  feet. 

Township  27  S.,  R.  59  W. — This  township  is  rather  hilly  and  broken.  It 
is  crossed  diagonally  by  railroad.  There  is  no  running  water,  but  good  springs. 
A  scant  growth  of  poor  timber.  Very  little  land  here  suitable  for  cultivation, 
but  good  grazing  country.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,000 
feet. 


OURAY  COUNTY 

MONTROSE  LAND  DISTRICT—Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  250,917  Acres. 

Ouray  county  is  located  in  the  southwestern  part  of  Colorado,  on  the 
northern  slope  of  the  San  Juan  mountains.  The  extreme  southern  part  of 
the  county  is  high  up  in  the  mountains,  in  a  gold  and  silver  mining  district. 

There  is  considerable  agricultural  land  in  the  valley  of  the  Uncompahgre 
river. 

The  approximate  value  per  year  of  the  agricultural  products  of  this 
county  is  as  follows: 

Wheat  and  grains $  75,000.00 

Hay    150,000.00 

Vegetables  and  other  crops 50,000.00 

Population  of  the  county  is  only  3,800.  Eighteen  hundred  people  live  in 
Ouray,  the  county  seat.  Ouray  is  a  mining  camp  located  in  a  picturesque 
valley  walled  in  by  almost  perpendicular  cliffs. 

Township  45  N.,  R.  7  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling,  broken 
land  covered  with  a  dense  growth  of  brush.  The  soil  is  mostly  of  poor  qual- 
ity, although  there  is  some  good  ranch  land  wherever  it  is  possible  to  irrigate. 
There  are  some  large  fir  trees.     Elevation,  7,500  feet.     Annual  rainfall,  over 

25  inches.    Located  two  miles  from  a  railroad.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  46  N.,  R.  7  W. — This  is  a  mountainous  district.  The  soil 
throughout  is  mostly  good,  but  on  account  of  the  roughness  of  the  surface 
and  the  altitude,  it  is  of  little  value.  It  is,  however,  an  excellent  grazing  dis- 
trict. There  are  numerous  coal  indications.  Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches. 
Located  three  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  7,600  to  9,000  feet.  Value, 
$3.60  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  44  N.,  R.  8  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  very  rough  and 
broken,  excepting  for  the  narrow  valley  along  the  Uncompaghre  river.  The 
southern  part  is  above  timber  line.  There  is  an  abundant  growth  of  spruce 
and  aspen  timber  on  the  mountain  sides.  Elevation,  7,500  to  14,000  feet.  An- 
nual rainfall,  over  25  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  This  section  is 
crossed  bv  a  railroad.  Ouray,  the  county  seat,  is  located  on  the  southern 
portion  or  this  township  and  is  surrounded  by  gold  and  silver  mines. 

Township  45  N.,  R.  8  W. — This  township  is  mostly  mountainous,  except 
along  the  river  valley,  where  there  is  considerable  fine  irrigated  land.  There 
is  fairly  good  grazing  land  in  other  portions  of  the  township.  Value,  $3.50  to 
$5  per  acre.  Elevation,  7,000  to  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  above  25  inches. 
A  railroad  crosses  this  section. 

Township  46  N.,  R.  8  W. — The  surface  is  mountainous.  It  is  well  watered 
by  several  creeks.  There  is  very  fertile  valley  land  along  the  Uncompahgre 
and  tributary  streams.  Fine  grazing  lands  in  the  surrounding  hills,  together 
with  coal  and  mineral  claims.     Elevation,  6,500  feet.     Annual  rainfall,  20  to 

26  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.    This  township  is  crossed  by  a  railroad. 

Township  44  N.,  R.  9  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  mountainous, 
and  for  the  most  part  is  covered  with  a  dense  growth  of  spruce,  aspen  and 
balsam  timber,  with  oak  thickets.    This  district  contains  fairly  good  grazing 


Ouray  County  247 


land.    A  railroad  crosses  this  section.    Elevation,  8,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall, 
26  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  45  N.,  R.  9  W. — In  this  district  there  is  a  little  good  farming 
land  along  the  west  fork  of  the  Dallas  creek.  The  rest  of  the  township  is 
rockv  and  considered  poor  grazing  land,  being  covered  with  scrub  timber  and 
brush,  except  on  top  of  the  mesa,  where  there  is  some  good  pine  timber.  A 
railroad  crosses  this  section.  Elevation,  7,000  to  9,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall 
over  25  inches.*  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  This  district  is  crossed  by  a 
railroad. 

Township  46  N.,  R.  9  W. — This  entire  township  lies  on  top  of  a  high  mesa, 
about  8,000  to  9,000  feet  above  the  river.  In  general  it  is  covered  with  good 
pine  timber  and  fine  grass.  There  are  a  few  springs,  but  no  running  streams. 
The  surface  is  gently  or  abruptly  rolling,  and  is  badly  cut  up  by  precipitous 
canons.  Some  portions  of  this  district  are  being  farmed.  Elevation,  7,000  to 
9,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Located  one  mile  from  a  railroad. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 


PARK  COUNTY 

LEADVILLE  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  372,695  Acres. 

Park  county,  commonly  called  South '  Park,  is  a  high  rolling  prairie, 
bounded  on  the  west  by  a  high  mountain  range  and  on  the  east  by  the  less 
high  but  very  broken  Tarryall  range  of  mountains. 

The  elevation  of  Park  county  makes  it  suitable  only  for  stock  raising. 
There  is  a  large  area  of  irrigated  land  in  the  county,  on  which  very  fine  hay 
is  raised. 

The  approximate  value,  per  year,  of  the  agricultural  products  of  Park 
county,  is  as  follows: 

Grains $  25,000.00 

Hay 400,000.00 

Vegetables  and  other  crops 25,000.00 

A  large  part  of  this  county  is  included  in  the  Pikes  Peak  National  forest. 
The  vacant  lands  are  rolling  prairie  grazing  lands  of  fair  quality.  There  are 
no  towns  of  any  size  in  the  county.  Fairplay,  the  county  seat,  has  a  popula- 
tion of  less  than  300,  and  is  the  largest.  While  this  is  a  very  large  county,  the 
total  population  is  only  2,500. 

Township  14  S.,  R.  71  W. — This  township  lies  in  a  broken,  mountainous 
country,  and  consists  of  good  hay  land  along  the  creeks;  some  of  this  land 
could  be  cultivated.  The  soil  is  generally  good,  and  the  grazing,  also.  A  por- 
tion of  the  township  is  very  rough  and  mountainous,  and  covered  with  scatter- 
ing pine  trees.  Located  five  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  8,600  feet. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $7  per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  71  W. — This  township  lies  just  west  of  the  Cripple 
Creek  mining  district,  and  is  a  rough  and  mountainous  country.  There  is  a 
little  agricultural  land  in  the  narrow  valleys.  Most  of  this  township  affords 
only  poor  grazing.  Value,  $3.50  to  $7  per  acre.  Elevation,  8,500  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Located  twenty-five  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  6  S.,  R.  72  W. — This  is  a  decidedly  mountainous  district.  There 
are  some  small  areas  of  farming  lands  in  the  natural  parks  and  in  the  valleys 
of  Elk  and  Deer  creeks.  Elevation,  9,000  to  10,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15 
to  20  inches.  Located  six  miles  from  a  railroad.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 
Considerable  timber  is  to  be  found  in  a  portion  of  this  township;  the  rest  con- 
tains only  burnt  timber. 

Township  7  S.,  R.  72  W. — This  township  embraces  a  considerable  amount 
of  fine  farming  land,  most  of  which  is  already  occupied.  In  the  southwestern 
portion  there  is  some  excellent  timber.  Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Elevation,  8,000  feet.    Crossed  by  a  railroad. 

Township  14  S.,  R.  72  W. — This  township  is  a  good  grazing  district,  but  is 
too  high  for  farming.  Elevation,  8,500  to  10,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to 
20  inches.  Part  consists  of  level  land  and  rolling  hills,  and  is  covered  with  a 
scattering  growth  of  timber,  principally  pine  and  spruce.  Value,  $5  to  $7  per 
acre.    Located  three  miles  from  a  railroad.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  72  W. — A  rolling,  hilly,  mountainous  township.  There 
are  some  fine,  but  narrow  strips  of  arable  land  along  the  creeks.     This  is  a 


Park  County  249 


good  dairying  and  stock  raising  district.    Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.    Elevation, 
8,500  feet,    ^nual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Located  ten  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  6  S.,  R.  73  W. — This  is  a  mountainous  township,  mostly  included 
in  the  Pikes  Peak  National  forest.  Along  Deer  and  Elk  creeks,  in  the  south- 
eastern corner,  is  the  only  portion  outside  of  the  forest.  There  are  some  nice 
farm  lands  in  this  portion,  and  some  excellent  white  pine  timber.  The  grazing 
is  good.  Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre.  Located  six  miles  from  a  railroad. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Elevation,  9,000  feet. 

Township  11  S.,  R.  73  W. — The  southwestern  portion  of  this  township  is 
the  only  part  not  included  in  the  Pikes  Peak  National  forest.  Lying  in  the 
South  Park,  this  is  rolling  prairie  land.  The  grazing  is  good.  Elevation,  9,000 
feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Located  five 
miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  12  S.,  R.  73  W. — The  northeastern  portion  of  this  township  is 
mountainous  and  included  in  the  Pikes  Peak  National  forest.  The  balance  is 
dry,  level  prairie,  covered  with  a  scant  growth  of  buffalo  and  bunch  grass. 
There  are  nice  bottoms  along  the  South  Platte  river.  This  district  is  too  high 
for  farming,  but  excellent  for  hay  ranches  and  stock  raising.  A  railroad  crosses 
this  township.  Elevation,  9,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value, 
$5  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  13  S.,  R.  73  W. — There  is  a  small  area  of  good  bottom  land 
along  the  South  Platte  river.  The  interior  of  the  township  is  covered  with 
low,  rocky  hills,  with  a  scattering  growth  of  buffalo  and  bunch  grass.  There 
is  some  spruce  and  pine  timber  in  the  lower  tier  of  sections,  but  of  poor  qual- 
ity. This  district  is  crossed  by  a  railroad.  Elevation,  9,000  feet.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 15  to  20  inches.    Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  14  S.,  R.  73  W. — The  northern  portion  of  this  township  is  moun- 
tainous. The  southern  portion  is  rolling  and  hilly,  with  some  narrow  strips  of 
arable  land  along  Current  creek.  There  is  a  scattering  growth  of  pine  and 
spruce  timber  throughout  this  district.  Elevation,  9,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall, 
15  to  20  inches.    Located  three  miles  from  a  railroad.    Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  73  W. — Considerable  of  this  township  is  suitable  for 
hay  ranches.  There  is  a  scattering  growth  of  pine  and  spruce  timber.  The 
grazing  is  good  throughout.  Elevation,  8,500  to  9,000  feet.  The  surface  is 
generally  rolling  and  hilly.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Located  ten  miles  from 
a  railroad. 

Township  10  S.,  R.  74  W. — The  eastern  portion  of  this  township  is  very 
rough  and  mountainous,  and  is  included  in  the  Pikes  Peak  National  forest. 
The  western  portion  is  rolling  prairie  country.  There  is  only  one  small  stream 
of  running  water  in  this  district.  There  are  many  springs  which  sink  before 
flowing  very  far.  This  is  an  excellent  stock  range.  Elevation,  9,500  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Located  ten  miles  from  a  railroad.  Value, 
$5  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  11  S.,  R.  74  W. — The  northeastern  corner  of  this  township  is 
rough  and  mountainous.  The  remainder  lies  in  the  South  Park  district,  and 
is  composed  of  smooth,  rolling  hills.  The  grazing  is  fair.  Where  water  can  be 
found,  vegetables  are  raised.  There  is  some  pine,  spruce  and  aspen  timber. 
Elevation,  9,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  inches.  Located  three  miles  from  a 
railroad.    Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  12  S.,  R.  74  W. — This  township  consists  of  rolling  prairie  land 
in  the  South  Park  district,  and  is  crossed  by  the  South  Platte  river  and  a  rail- 


250  Park  County 


road.  Elevation,  9,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  inches.  There  is  excellent 
pasture  land  here.  The  growth  of  native  bunch  and  buffalo  grass  is  good. 
Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  13  S.,  R.  74  W. — This  township  is  located  in  the  South  Park 
district,  and  is  traversed  by  ridges  of  low,  stony  hills,  with  some  rocky  peaks 
in  the  western  portion.  There  are  good  hay  bottoms  along  Buifalo  slougn  and 
Three  Mile  creek.  The  timber  is  scattering  pine  and  spruce  of  inferior  quality. 
Water  is  very  scarce  and  strongly  alkaline.  Outside  of  the  bottom  lands  the 
soil  is  unfit  for  cultivation.  Grazing  is  poor  in  this  district.  Value,  $5  to  $7 
per  acre.  Located  two  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  9,000  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  inches. 

Township  14  S.,  R.  74  W. — This  is  a  mountainous  township  traversed  by 
ridges  of  rocky  hills,  and  is  mostly  included  in  the  Pikes  Peak  National  forest. 
This  land  is  not  suitable  for  farming,  on  account  of  the  scarcity  of  water  and 
the  extreme  elevation  of  9,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value, 
$3.50  to  $5  per  acre.    Located  eight  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  74  W. — This  is  a  rough,  broken,  mountainous  town- 
ship, mostly  included  in  the  Pikes  Peak  National  forest.  The  soil  is  sandy  and 
of  poor  quality.  There  is  a  fair  growth  of  natural  buffalo  and  bunch  grass. 
The  timber  consists  of  a  scattering  growth  of  pine,  pinon  and  quaking  aspen. 
The  eastern  and  central  portions  are  watered  by  creeks  and  springs.  Value, 
$5  to  $8  per  acre.  Located  fifteen  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  9,500  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  inches. 

Township  7  S.,  R.  75  W. — The  southern  portion  of  this  township  lies  in  the 
South  Park  district,  and  consists  of  excellent  land  on  which  large  quantities 
of  hay  are  cut.  It  also  includes  a  large  area  of  bogland,  which  is  at  present 
valueless.  Outside  of  the  bogs,  the  prairies  and  meadows  are  very  desirable. 
Most  of  the  township  is  included  in  the  Pikes  Peak  National  forest,  and  is 
crossed  by  a  railroad.  Elevation,  9,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  8  S.,  R.  75  W. — This  township  is  partially  hilly,  with  wide  hay 
bottoms  along  Michigan  and  Jefferson  creeks.  This  is  an  excellent  stock  rais- 
ing country.  A  railroad  crosses  this  township.  Elevation,  9,500  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  9  S.,  R.  75  W. — The  southeastern  portion  is  mountainous  and 
contains  good  timber.  The  western  tier  of  sections  in  the  northwestern  corner 
is  rolling  in  character  and  without  timber.  The  rest  of  the  township  is  rough 
and  hilly,  with  some  good  timber  scattered  over  it.  There  are  some  mineral 
indications  in  this  district.  Elevation,  9,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  inches. 
Located  three  miles  from  a  railroad.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  10  S.,  R.  75  W. — The  surface  is  generally  low  hills,  covered  with 
a  good  quality  of  pine,  spruce  and  aspen  trees  scattered  in  small  groves.  The 
soil  is  a  sandy  loam,  covered  with  a  fair  stand  of  buffalo  and  gramma  grasses. 
Elevation,  9,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Located  three  miles 
from  a  railroad.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  11  S.,  R.  75  W. — Through  the  northeastern  portion  of  this  town- 
ship there  are  ranges  of  high  hills,  sparsely  covered  with  pine  and  spruce 
timber.  This  is  an  arid  township,  the  ravines  being  usually  dry.  There  is 
water  in  the  Platte  river,  which  crosses  the  southwestern  corner,  and  along 
this  stream  there  are  some  hay  bottoms.  The  soil  is  in  general  loamy,  with  a 
fair  growth  of  grass.  Located  two  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  9,000  to 
10,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 


Park  County  251 


Township  12  S.,  R.  75  W. — This  township  is  located  in  the  center  of  the 
South  Park  district,  and  is  crossed  by  the  Platte  river  and  a  railroad.  While 
too  high  for  farming,  it  is  excellent  as  a  stock  raising  district.  Some  hay  is 
cut  along  the  river.  The  soil  is  generally  loamy,  covered  with  a  fair  quality 
of  grass.  This  township  is  crossed  by  several  ridges,  along  which  there  is  a 
growth  of  scattering  pine  timber.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Elevation,  9,000 
leet.    Annual  rainfall,  15  inches. 

Township  13  S.,  R.  75  W. — This  township  is  crossed  by  a  range  of  barren, 
rocky  hills,  forming  a  divide  between  Herrings  creek  and  Buffalo  slough,  run- 
ning in  a  northernly  direction  through  the  center  portion.  The  eastern  portion 
is  a  rolling  prairie,  covered  with  a  scant  growth  of  bunch  and  buffalo  grass,  and 
scattering  spruce  and  pine  timber.  The  soil  is  of  poor  quality  and  only  useful 
for  grazing.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Elevation,  9,000  feet.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 15  inches.    Located  four  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  14  S.,  R.  75  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  consists  of  rolling 
prairie  land,  with  low,  rocky  hills  in  the  northern  portion.  Herring's  creek  is 
a  swampy,  alkaline  stream,  though  most  of  its  course  the  bed  is  entirely  dry. 
The  soil  of  this  township  is  mostly  of  poor  quality  and  stony.  The  scarcity 
of  water  and  the  high  elevation  prevents  cultivation.  This  land  is  of  little 
use,  excepting  as  a  sheep  range  during  the  summer  season.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5 
per  acre.  Located  ten  miles  from  a  raiboad.  Elevation,  9,000  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  75  W. — This  township  consists  chiefly  of  high,  open 
hills,  and  is  located  at  the  extreme  southern  end  of  South  Park.  It  is  well 
watered  by  springs  and  brooks.  There  are  some  nice  groves  of  pine,  spruce 
and  quaking  aspens.  The  altitude  is  so  high  that  no  cereals  can  be  produced. 
Good  potatoes  are  raised  in  some  of  the  bottom  lands.  This  is  a  good  grazing 
district,  being  covered  with  a  fine  growth  of  natural  buffalo  grass.  Elevation, 
9,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre.  Located 
ten  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  7  S.,  R.  76  W. — This  township  is  generally  mountainous.  In  the 
extreme  western  portion  the  surface  is  high  above  timber  line.  There  is  only 
a  small  portion  in  the  southeastern  corner  that  is  not  included  in  the  Pikes 
Peak  national  forest.  This  is  well  watered  prairie  land  at  the  northern  end 
of  South  Park.  Elevation,  10,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value, 
$5  to  $10  per  acre.    Located  four  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  8  S.,  R.  76  W. — The  western  portion  of  this  township  is  moun- 
tainous. The  eastern  portion  lies  in  the  South  Park  district  and  is  rolling 
prairie  land.  This  district  is  crossed  by  the  railroad  and  numerous  streams. 
Fine  hay  can  be  cut  in  the  valley,  while  on  the  mountainous  portion  there  is  a 
good  quality  of  timber.  There  is  some  coal  mining  carried  on  here.  Elevation, 
9,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  This  township  is  crossed  by  a 
railroad.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  9  S.,  R.  76  W. — Along  Trout  creek  is  found  good  ranch  land, 
some  good  for  agricultural  purposes,  but  esjjecially  well  adapted  for  grazing. 
There  is  a  little  good  timber  in  this  township.  The  western  portion  and  the 
southeastern  part  consists  of  broken,  hilly  land,  of  very  little  value  for  any 
purpose.  There  is  some  metal  mining  in  this  district.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per 
acre.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  This  district  is 
crossed  by  a  railroad. 

Township  10  S.,  R.  76  W.— The  valleys  of  the  Middle  Fork  of  the  South 
Platte  river  and  Trout  creek  are  good  ranch  lands.     The  mountains  on  each 


252  Park  County 


aide  of  Trout  creek  are  low  and  covered  with  a  fine  quality  of  pine,  spruce  and 
aspen  trees.  In  the  eastern  portion,  the  surface  is  rolling  and  without  timber. 
Grazing  is  generally  good.  Elevation,  10,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  inches. 
This  township  is  crossed  by  a  railroad.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  11  S.,  R.  76  W. — There  is  considerable  bottom  land  along  the 
streams,  inclined  to  be  alkaline.  The  ridges  are  rocky,  with  some  pine  timber 
of  poor  quality.  The  Middle  Fork  of  the  South  Platte  river  is  the  only  stream 
in  this  township  that  flows  throughout  the  year.  There  are  some  natural  hay 
lands.  A  railroad  crosses  this  district.  Elevation,  9,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall, 
15  inches.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  12  S.,  R.  76  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling  prairie 
land,  naturally  covered  with  buffalo  and  bunch  grass.  A  storage  reservoir, 
containing  several  thousand  acres,  is  located  in  this  township.  This  district 
is  crossed  by  a  railroad.  The  grazing  is  fair  here.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre. 
Elevation,  9,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 

Township  13  S.,  R.  76  W. — The  eastern  half  of  this  township  is  an  open, 
rolling  prairie,  covered  with  buffalo  and  bunch  grass.  The  rest  is  hilly,  with 
an  occasional  isolated  mountain  with  scattering  spruce  and  pine  timber.  This 
township  is  located  on  the  divide  between  the  Platte  and  Arkansas  rivers. 
Springs  furnish  water  in  several  places.  The  ravines  are  swampy,  and,  in 
numerous  places,  the  water  is  extremely  alkaline.  The  grazing  is  good,  but  of 
little  use,  on  account  of  the  lack  of  stock  water.  Elevation,  9,500  feet.  An- 
nual rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $7  per  acre. 

Township  14  S.,  R.  76  W. — This  township  is  on  the  divide  between  the 
Arkansas  and  Platte  rivers.  The  eastern  portion  is  rolling  and  hilly  land, 
destitute  of  timber  and  covered  with  fair  grass.  Along  the  divide  proper, 
there  is  a  heavy  growth  of  timber.  This  is  a  fine  grazing  country.  Value,  $4 
to  $8  per  acre.  located  three  miles  from  a  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20 
inches.    Elevation,  9,000  to  10,000  feet. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  76  W. — This  township  is  located  on  the  divide  between 
the  Arkansas  and  Platte  rivers.  There  is  some  timber  in  the  western  portion, 
and  on  the  eastern  side  the  timber  is  good.  This  is  an  excellent  grazing  dis- 
trict, with  some  good  hay  lands  along  the  gulches.  Vegetables  are  cultivated 
with  success  here.  Located  seven  miles  from  a  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to 
20  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $7  per  acre. 

Township  9  S.,  R.  77  W. — This  township  is  located  high  up  on  the  western 
side  of  South  Park,  with  an  elevation  of  10,000  feet.  There  are  some  good  hay 
lands  in  the  valleys,  also  considerable  fair  grazing  land.  Metal  mining  is  car- 
ried on  in  the  surrounding  hills.  Fairplay,  the  county  seat,  is  located  here. 
This  township  is  crossed  by  a  railroad.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  25  inches. 

Township  10  S.,  R.  77  W.— The  valley  of  the  Middle  Fork  of  the  South 
Platte  river  is  low  and  swampy  in  character.  There  is  some  placer  gold  in  the 
sands.  This  section  is  only  suited  for  hay  and  stock  ranches.  There  is  some 
good  grass  in  this  township;  other  portions,  poor.  This  district  is  crossed  by 
a  railroad.  Elevation,  9,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  inches.  Value,  $5  to  $8 
per  acre. 

Township  11  S.,  R.  77  W. — This  township  consists  principally  of  grazing 
land,  especially  on  the  western  side  of  the  South  Fork.  There  is  some  poor 
hay  land  in  the  creek  bottoms.  Four  Mile  creek  contains  a  considerable  amount 
of  alkali.    The  surface  in  general  is  rough  and  hilly,  with  scattering  timber. 


Park  County  253 


Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre.    Located  one  mile  from  a  railroad.    Elevation,  9,500 
feet.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 

Township  12  S.,  R.  77  W. — This  township  is  located  at  the  base  of  the 
mountains  which  form  the  western  rim  of  the  South  Park.  It  is  well  watered, 
but  too  high  in  elevation  for  cultivation,  being  from  9,200  to  10,000  feet.  There 
are  some  good  stock  ranches  here  along  the  fork  of  the  Platte  river.  Good 
timber  is  scarce.  The  western  portion  of  this  township  is  mountainous  and 
covered  with  burnt  and  fallen  timber.  There  is  a  thick  growth  of  young 
aspens.  A  railroad  crosses  this  district.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  13  S.,  R,  77  W. — The  soil  is  rather  poor  in  this  township,  the 
mountains  being  rocky,  and  the  valleys  gravelly  and  not  suited  for  agricul- 
ture. This  is  a  good  hay  district  and  fairly  good  grazing  section.  The  streams 
are  few  and  all  very  small.  There  are  several  small  springs,  all  of  which  flow 
fresh  water.  The  surface  is  mountainous,  hilly  and  rolling,  with  little  or  no 
level  land.  There  is  some  fine  timber.  Elevation,  9,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall, 
15  to  20  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.    Crossed  by  two  railroads. 

Township  10  S.,  R.  78  W. — There  is  no  land  here  suitable  either  for  grazing 
or  farming.  It  is  only  valuable  for  timber.  Elevation,  10,000  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    A  railroad  crosses  this  section.    Value,  $3.50  per  acre. 

Township  11  S.,  R.  78  W. — The  general  character  of  this  township  is  moun- 
tainous, with  a  heavy  growth  of  aspen  brush  and  some  scattering  pme  timber. 
There  is  some  grass  along  the  valleys  of  the  streeams.  Most  of  the  soil  is 
sterile  and  third  rate.  There  are  mineral  indications  in  the  mountains. 
Located  seven  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  9,500  feet.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5 
per  acre. 


PHILLIPS   COUNTY 

STERLING  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  11,300  Acres. 

Phillips  county  is  located  in  northeastern  Colorado,  adjoining  the  Ne- 
braska state  line.  The  surface  of  the  county  is  generally  rolling  prairie  land. 
It  is  in  what  is  generally  spoken  of  in  this  State  as  the  rain  belt.  That  is, 
there  is  sufficient  rainfall  to  raise  crops  without  irrigation  and  without 
ordinary  dry  farming  methods.  This  is  a  good  agricultural  county  and  pro- 
duces splendid  crops.  The  approximate  value,  per  year,  of  the  agricultural 
crops  is  as  follows: 

Wheat  and  other  grains   $450,000.00 

Hay    65,000.00 

Vegetables  and  other  crops 20,000.00 

The  total  population  of  Phillips  county  is  3,179.  The  population  of 
Holyoke,  the  county  seat,  is  659. 

Township  6  N.,  R.  42  W. — The  surface  is  a  rolling  plain.  Soil,  sandy  loam. 
No  surface  water.  Well  covered  with  grass.  Good  agricultural  land  suitable 
for  cultivation.  Value,  $12  to  $15  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Elevation,  3,600  feet.  Twelve  miles  from  the  railroad.  Located  in  the  south- 
east corner  of  Phillips  county,  adjoining  the  Nebraska  state  line. 

Township  6  N.,  R.  43  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  covered  with  fair 
stand  of  buffalo  and  bunch  grass.  Soil  a  sandy  loam.  Rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Elevation,  3,600  feet.  Rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $8  to  $12  per  acre.  No 
surface  water.    Located  nine  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  6  N.,  R.  44  W. — The  surface  of  the  southern  part  of  this  town- 
ship is  rolling  with  sand  hills.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam.  No  surface  water. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  3,600  feet.  Three  miles  from 
railroad.    Value,  $6.50  to  $18  per  acre. 

Township  6  N.,  R.  45  W. — The  surface  is  slightly  rolling.  There  are  some 
sand  hills  in  the  southeastern  portion.  The  soil  is  a  light  sandy  loam,  pro- 
ducing a  good  growth  of  grass  everywhere.  There  is  no  surface  water.  The 
soil  is  inclined  to  blow  out  when  plowed.  Value,  $10  to  $12  per  acre.  Three 
miles  from  the  railroad  and  town  of  Holyoke.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20 
inches.     Elevation,  3,500  feet. 


PITKIN  COUNTY 

GLENWOOD  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  105,771  Acres. 

Pitkin  county  is  located  in  the  west-central  portion  of  the  State,  just  west 
of  the  Great  Continental  Divide.  This  county  is  quite  mountainous,  and  is 
mostly  included  in  the  national  forests. 

Aspen,  the  county  seat,  has  a  population  of  2,000,  and  is  a  mining  camp. 
The  total  population  of  the  county  is  less  than  5,000. 

The  agricultural  lands  of  this  county  are  confined  to  narrow  valleys  along 
the  streams. 

The  approximate  value  per  year  of  the  agricultural  products  of  this  county 
is  as  follows: 

Wheat  and  other  grains $  80,000.00 

Hay 150,000.00 

Potatoes  and  other  crops 70,000.00 

Township  9  S.,  R  85  W. — In  the  valleys  of  this  mountainous  township 
there  is  some  very  good  agricultural  and  grazing  land,  well  watered  by  Roaring 
Fork,  quite  a  large  stream,  and  by  Brush  and  Woody  creeks.  The  mountains 
are  very  steep  and  rugged.  Elevation,  7,000  to  9,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15 
to  20  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre.  This  township  is  crossed  by  a 
railroad. 

Township  10  S.,  R.  85  W. — This  township  is  mountainous.  There  are 
numerous  ridges  running  north  and  south.  This  section  contains  several  small 
streams.  The  southern  portion  is  included  in  the  Sorpris  national  forest. 
Elevation,  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per 
acre.    Crossed  by  a  railroad. 

Township  9  S.,  R.  86  W. — The  southern  portion  of  this  township  is  heavily 
timbered  wth  a  fine  growth  of  pine,  spruce  and  aspen;  the  northern  portion  is 
covered  with  a  dense  undergrowth  of  scrub  oak.  The  surface  is  mountainous 
and  the  soil  of  poor  quality.  There  are  some  grassy  spots  along  the  creek. 
Elevation,  7,000  to  9,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $3.50 
to  $10  per  acre.    Located  one  mile  from  a  railroad. 

Township  9  S.,  R.  87  W. — The  southwestern  portion  of  this  township  is 
mountainous  and  rolling.  There  is  a  scattering  growth  of  spruce  timber,  oak 
brush  and  aspen  thickets.  Along  the  Roaring  Fork  river  there  are  good  agri- 
cultural lands,  which  raise  good  crops  of  small  grains,  potatoes  and  vegetables. 
The  hills  afford  good  stock  range.  There  is  plenty  of  water.  Value,  $5  to  $10 
per  acre.  Elevation,  7,000  to  $9,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
This  section  is  crossed  by  a  railroad. 

Township  8  S.,  R.  88  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  mostly  moun- 
tainous. The  soil  is  generally  a  rich  loam.  The  land  capable  of  cultivation 
lies  in  the  northern  portion,  and  consists  of  good  mountain  valley  land  pro- 
ducing hay,  grains,  vegetables  and  alfalfa,  if  irrigated.  A  growth  of  cedar  and 
pinon  trees  is  quite  general.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20 
inches.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.    Crossed  by  a  railroad. 

Township  8  S.,  R.  89  W. — This  is  a  mountainous,  coal  mining  district. 
There  are  some  nice  hay  meadows  at  the  head  of  Yank,  Sunshine  and  North 


256  Pitkin  County 


Thompson  creeks.  Considerable  timber  abounds  on  the  surrounding  hills.  The 
townsnip  is  well  watered,  and  there  is  sufficient  fall  in  Thompson  creek  to 
develop  water  power.  This  district  is  reached  by  a  spur  railroad  to  the  coal 
mines.  Elevation,  7,000  to  9,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  16  to  20  inches.  Value, 
$5  to  $10  per  acre. 


PROWERS  COUNTY 

LAMAR  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  252,592  Acres. 

Prowers  county  is  located  in  southeastern  Colorado,  adjoining  the  Kan- 
sas state  line.  It  is  crossed  by  the  Arkansas  river,  and  its  fertile  valley, 
which  is  under  irrigation  and  very  productive. 

Lamar  is  the  county  seat,  with  a  population  of  3,000.  The  total  popu- 
lation of  the  entire  county  is  approximately  10,000. 

On  the  uplands  or  prairies  above  the  river  are  large  areas  of  open  land 
awaiting   the   settler. 

The  approximate  value  per  year  of  the  agricultural  products  of  Prowers 
county  is  as  follows: 

Wheat  and  other  grains   $250,000.00 

Hay 600,000.00 

Sugar  beets  and  other  crops 300,000.00 

Township  21  S.,  R.  41  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land.  No  surface 
water.  Located  nine  miles  from  a  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Elevation,  3,800  feet. 

Township  22  S.,  R.  41  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land.  No  sur- 
face water.  Located  three  miles  from  a  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.     Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Elevation,  3,800  feet. 

Township  24  S.,  R.  41  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling  prairie 
land,  covered  with  a  fine  quality  of  gramma  and  buffalo  grasses.  Some 
portions  are  sandy  with  only  bunch  grass.  Located  four  miles  from  railroad. 
Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Elevation,  3,700  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  26  S.,  R.  41  W. — The  surface  is  high,  rolling  prairie  land  covered 
with  good  grass.  Running  water  in  the  creeks.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre. 
Located  fifteen  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  3,800  feet.  Annual  rainfall, 
15  to  20  inches. 

Township  27  S.,  R.  41  W. — The  surface  is  fairly  level  prairie  land.  Ele- 
vation, 3,800  feet.  This  is  a  good  stock  country.  Some  farming.  Value,  $5  to 
$8  per  acre.  Located  twenty  miles  from  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20 
inches. 

Township  21  S.,  R.  42  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling  prairie 
land.  Wild  Horse  creek  has  an  abundance  of  water  for  stock  purposes.  Lo- 
cated four  miles  from  a  railroad.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Elevation,  3,900 
feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  22  S.,  R.  42  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  high,  rolling 
prairie  land  covered  with  a  good  quality  of  buffalo  and  gramma  grass.  Wild 
Horse  creek  and  its  branches  afford  sufficient  water  for  stock.  Principally 
a  farming  and  grazing  district.  This  township  adjoins  a  railroad.  Value,  $5 
to  $8  per  acre.    Elevation,  3,800  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  23  S.,  R.  42  W. — This  township  is  a  rolling  prairie  land,  crossed 
about  the  center  by  the  Arkansas  river.  Outside  of  the  Irrigated  district, 
the  land  is  covered  with  an  even  growth  of  red  top  bunch  grass,  which  is 


258  Prowers  County 


the  only  plant  growing  in  this  district.  The  soil  is  very  sandy.  Value,  $5  to 
$8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  3,500  feet.  Crossed  by. 
railroad. 

Township  24  S.,  R.  42  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  high,  rolling 
prairie  land,  broken  along  Two  Butte  creek,  with  cottonwood  along  the 
stream.  This  is  a  good  grazing  district;  plenty  of  surface  water  in  the  creek. 
The  soil  is  sandy  and  unsuited  for  farming.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Eleva- 
tion, 3,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Located  four  miles  from  a 
railroad. 

Township  25  S.,  R.  42  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling  prairie 
land,  well  adapted  to  grazing.  There  are  a  few  cottonwoods  along  Two  Butte 
creek.  This  townsliip  is  not  suitable  for  farming.  Elevation,  3,600  feet.  An- 
nual rainfall,  12  to  18  inches.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Located  ten  miles  from 
a  railroad. 

Township  26  S.,  R.  42  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  a  high,  rolling 
prairie,  good  for  grazing  purposes,  and  covered  with  a  fine  quality  of  gramma 
and  buffalo  grasses.  No  surface  water  excepting  in  Two  Butte  creek.  Not  a 
farming  township.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  3,800  feet.  Lo- 
cated fifteen  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  21  S.,  R.  43  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  a  high,  rolling 
prairie  and  mesa  land,  covered  with  a  good  stand  of  buffalo  grass  and  good 
soil  in  some  portions  and  indifferent  in  others.  This  is  a  farming  and  graz- 
ing district.  Located  four  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  3,800  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  22  S.,  R.  43  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling  prairie 
land  mostly  under  irrigation.  There  are  some  vacant  lands  above  the  canals. 
Elevation,  3,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per 
acre.     This  township  is  crossed  by     railroad. 

Township  23  S.,  R.  43  W. — The  northern  portion  of  this  township  is  all 
irrigated  land.  South  of  the  river  the  soil  is  sandy  and  semi-arid,  producing 
a  rank  growth  of  red-top  bunch  grass.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  This  town- 
ship is  crossed  by  railroad.  Elevation,  3,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches. 

Township  24  S.,  R.  43  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling  prairie 
land.  The  soil  in  general  is  a  sandy  loam  and  very  productive.  There  is  a 
fair  growth  of  buffalo  and  bunch  grass.  Surface  water  in  the  creeks.  Value, 
$5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Located  four  miles  from 
railroad.  Elevation,  3,500  feet. 

Township  25  S.,  R.  43  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  comparatively 
level  prairie  land.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam,  somewhat  broken  along  the 
creeks.  This  is  a  farming  and  grazing  district.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Lo- 
cated ten  miles  from  a  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  12  to  18  inches.  Elevation, 
3,700  feet. 

Township  26  S.,  R.  43  W. — Two  Butte  creek  crosses  this  township  diagon- 
ally. This  it  a  grazing  section  not  suitable  for  farming.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per 
acre.  Elevation,  3,800  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Located  fifteen 
miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  27  S.,  R.  43  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  high,  rolling 
prairie  land  with  a  light  clay  loam  soil.  This  is  a  grazing  district.  Value, 
$5  to  $8  per  acre.  Elevation,  3,400  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Lo- 
cated twenty  miles  from  railroad. 


Prowers  County  259 


Township  21  S.,  R.  44  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  comparatively 
level  prairie  land.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam.  Some  portions  of  this  township 
might  be  irrigated.  This  is  a  farming  and  grazing  district.  Value,  $5  to  $10 
per  acre.  Located  four  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  3,500  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  22  S.,  R.  44  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  mostly  rolling 
prairie  land,  except  along  the  Arkansas  river  on  the  southern  boundary  where 
the  soil  is  first  rate  and  the  grass  an  excellent  quality  of  bunch  and  buffalo. 
Most  of  the  township  is  taken  up  and  under  irrigation.  The  vacant  lands 
above  the  canals  are  covered  with  a  good  growth  of  bunch  and  buffalo  grfiss. 
The  soil  is  good.  Value,  $8  to  $10  per  acre.  This  township  is  crossed  by  a 
railroad.  Elevation,  3,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  23  S.,  R.  44  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling  land 
\\:'th  a  light,  sandy  soil.  The  northern  portion  of  this  township  is  under  ir- 
rigation and  cultivated.  This  township  is  crossed  by  a  railroad.  Elevation, 
3,500  feet.    Value,  $8  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  24  S.,  R.  44  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling  prairie 
land.  The  soil  is  adobe  and  non-productive.  The  surface  is  partially  level  and 
partially  rolling.  Not  suitable  for  farming,  a  fair  grazing  township.  Value, 
$5  to  $8  per  acre.  Located  ten  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  3,900  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 

Township  26  S.,  R.  44  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  a  high  broken 
prairie.  This  is  a  grazing  district,  not  recommended  for  farming.  No  surface 
water.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Located  twenty 
miles  from  a  railroad.    Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  27  S.,  R.  44  W. — The  southern  portion  of  this  township  is  in- 
cluded in  the  Two  Butte  irrigation  district  and  is  good  farm  land.  The 
northern  portion  contains  Two  Butte  creek  and  is  a  high  and  uneven  prairie. 
The  soil  is  sandy.  This  is  a  fair  grazing  section  but  not  recommended  for 
farming.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15 
to  20  inches.     Located  twenty  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  21  S.,  R.  45  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  level  prairie 
land,  naturally  covered  with  a  good  growth  of  bunch  and  buffalo  grass. 
Standing  water  is  found  in  the  Big  Sandy  creek,  which  crosses  this  township. 
Some  day  this  entire  section  will  probably  be  included  in  a  large  irrigation 
system.  Value,  $7  to  $10  per  acre.  Elevation,  3,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10 
to  15  inches.  Located  two  miles  from  a  railroad.  The  soil  is  good. 

Township  22  S.,  R.  45  W. — The  Arkansas  river  crosses  the  southern  por- 
tion of  this  township.  A  large  part  is  river  bottom,  the  rest  is  bench  land. 
The  lands  north  of  the  river  are  composed  of  rolling  prairies  with  a  good  soil. 
Most  of  the  township  is  irrigated.  A  railroad  crosses  this  township.  Eleva- 
tion, 3,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $8  to  $10  per  acre. 
Only  four  miles  from  Lamar,  the  county  seat  and  location  of  the  United 
States  land  office  for  this  district. 

Township  23  S.,  R.  45  W. — This  township  is  located  just  south  of  the 
Arkansas  river.  The  northern  part  of  the  township  is  almost  all  under  ir- 
rigation. The  southern  portion  is  rolling  prairie  and  mesa  land  with  a  good 
sandy  loam  soil.  It  is  naturally  covered  with  a  fair  stand  of  buffalo  grass. 
There  is  no  surface  water.  The  township  is  well  adapted  to  farming  and 
grazing.  It  lies  on  a  railroad.  Elevation,  3,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  20 
inches.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 


260  Prowers  County 


Township  24  S.,  R.  45  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling  prairie 
land  with  a  sandy  loam  soil.  Some  j)ortions  of  this  township  will  probably  be 
irrigated  later  on.  This  is  a  good  district.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Aniiual 
rainfall,  16  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  3,500  feet.  Located  five  miles  from  a  rail- 
road. 

Township  25  S.,  R,  45  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  a  high,  rolling 
prairie  at  the  head  of  Wolf  creek.  It  is  somewhat  broken  in  places.  The 
grass  is  good  and  this  township  makes  a  fine  grazing  district.  Located  twelve 
miles  from  a  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  4,000 
feet.     Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  26  S.,  R.  45  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  high,  rolling 
prairie  land,  broken  and  hilly  in  places.  The  soil  is  fair.  This  is  a  good  graz- 
ing district.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 4,000  feet.    Located  eighteen  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  27  S.,  R.  45  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  high,  rolling 
prairie  land,  broken  and  hilly  in  places.  Well  watered  by  Two  Butte  creek. 
The  soil  is  fair.  This  is  a  good  grazing  district.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  An- 
nual rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Located  twenty-five  miles 
from  a  railroad. 

Township  21  S.,  R.  46  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  gently  rolling 
prairie  land  with  a  good  light  clay  loam.  Most  of  this  township  is  already 
irrigated  and  the  rest  will  eventually  be  under  an  irrigation  system.  Eleva- 
tion, 3,800  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Located  two  miles  from  a 
railroad.    Value,  $7.50  to  $15  per  acre. 

Township  23  S.,  R.  46  W. — The  Arkansas  river  and  railroad  run  along  the 
northern  boundary  of  this  township.  In  section  6  is  the  townsite  of  Lamar, 
the  county  seat  and  land  office  of  the  Lamar  land  district.  The  soil  is  sandy 
in  character  and  the  surface  of  this  township  is  broken,  rolling  prairie  land, 
covered  with  a  fair  growth  of  native  grasses.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Eleva- 
tion, 3,600  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  24  S.,  R.  46  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  high,  rolling 
prairie  land.  This  township  is  mostly  under  a  proposed  high  line  irrigation 
canal  out  of  the  Picket  Wire  river,  and  some  day  will  probably  be  irrigated. 
The  soil  is  generally  sandy;  some  clay.  Located  six  miles  from  a  railroad. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Value,  $5  per  acre.    Elevation,  3,800  feet. 

Township  25  S.,  R.  46  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  high,  rolling 
prairie  land,  broken  and  hilly  in  places.  The  soil  is  generally  sandy  with  some 
clay.  Fairly  well  watered.  Located  twelve  miles  from  a  railroad.  Value,  $5 
to  $8  per  acre.  Used  principally  as  a  grazing  district  at  present.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 16  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  4,000  feet. 

Township  26  S.,  R.  46  W.— The  surface  of  this  township  is  high,  rolling 
prairie  land,  broken  and  hilly  in  places.  An  excellent  grazing  section.  Fair  soil. 
A  good  quality  of  grass.  Located  eighteen  miles  from  a  railroad.  Value,  $5 
to  $8  per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Elevation,  4,000  feet. 

Township  27  S.,  R.  46  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  high,  rolling 
prairie  land;  hilly  and  broken  in  places.  Fair  soil.  This  is  a  good  grazing 
district.  Located  twenty-five  miles  from  a  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20 
inches.  Value,  $6  to  $8  per  acre.  Elevation,  4,300  feet. 

Township  21  S.,  R.  47  W.— -The  surface  of  this  township  is  level  prairie 
land,  covered  with  a  good,  sandy  loam  soil.  Most  of  this  township  is  under 


Prowers  County  261 


irrigation.  There  is  a  fair  growth  of  buffalo  and  bunch  grass  on  the  remain- 
ing portion.  No  surface  water.  Value,  $7  to  $12  per  acre.  Located  two  miles 
from  a  railroad.    Elevation,  3,800  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  23  S.,  R.  47  W. — The  Arkansas  river  and  railroad  run  across 
the  northern  boundary  of  this  township.  The  town  of  Lamar  is  located  in 
the  northwest  corner.  The  surface  of  this  township  is  undulating  prairie  land 
with  a  very  sandy  soil.  It  is  probable  that  this  land  later  will  be  put  under 
irrigation.  Value,  $8  to  $10  per  acre.  Elevation,  3,600  feet.  Annual  rainfall, 
15  to  20  inches. 

Township  24  S.,  R.  47  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  fairly  level 
prairie  land,  gently  rolling  in  places.  Sooner  or  later  this  will  probably  be 
irrigated.  There  is  a  fair  quality  of  sandy  loam  soil.  Elevation,  4,000  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $8  to  $10  per  acre.  Six  miles  from 
railroad. 

Township  25  S.,  R.  47  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rather  high, 
gently  rolling  prairie  land.  This  is  a  fair  grazing  district,  having  an  abund- 
ance of  grass.  Water  in  creeks  most  of  the  time.  There  are  some  cottonwoods 
along  the  creeks.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Located  twelve  miles  from  a  rail- 
road. Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  4,000  feet. 

Township  26  S.,  R.  47  W. — The  soil  is  clay  in  character  throughout  the 
township.  Well  watered  and  good  grass.  An  especially  fine  grazing  district. 
Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Located  eighteen  miles  from  railroad.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  4,000  feet. 

Township  27  S.,  R.  47  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  high,  rolling 
prairie  land,  well  watered  by  Clay  and  Two  Butte  creeks.  The  soil  is  a  heavy 
clay.  Some  portions  of  the  township  are  inclined  to  be  hilly.  The  soil  is 
fairly  productive.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Located  twenty- five  miles  from  a 
railroad.  Elevation,  4,400  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 


PUEBLO  COUNTY 

PUEBLO  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  307,606  Acres. 

Pueblo  county  is  located  in  the  south-central  part  of  the  State,  at  the 
extreme  western  edge  of  the  plains.  The  surface  of  the  county  is  generally 
rolling  prairie  land,  crossed  midway  by  the  Arkansas  river,  along  which 
there  are  fertile  irrigated  valleys.  Outside  of  the  river  bottoms,  this  county 
heretofore  was  principally  a  stock  country  but  is  being  settled  up  now  with 
farmers. 

Pueblo,  the  second  city  of  size  in  the  State,  has  a  population  of  50,000. 
Outside  of  the  city  of  Pueblo,  the  population  of  the  county  is  nominal,  being 
about  8,000.  There  is  no  other  town  of  any  size  in  the  county.  The  city  of 
Pueblo  is  an  important  manufacturing  and  commercial  center,  and  is  the  lo- 
cation of  large  smelters,  steel  mills  and  other  industries. 

The  approximate  value,  per  year,  of  the  agricultural  products  of  this 
county  is  as  follows: 

Wheat  and  other  grains   $150,000.00 

Hay    500,000.00 

Vegetables    125,000.00 

Fruits 50,000.00 

Other  crops    150,000.00 

Township  18  S.,  R.  60  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  prairie  land, 
gently  rolling,  sloping  towards  the  south.  No  surface  water,  nor  timber.  Arid 
lands  used  principally  for  grazing.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to 
15  inches.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  fifteen  miles. 

Township  19  S.,  R.  60  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  level  prairie 
land,  covered  with  a  good  growth  of  buffalo  grass.  No  surface  water.  Water 
was  found  on  section  16  at  a  depth  of  70  feet.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  ten 
miles. 

Township  20  S.,  R.  60  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  comparatively 
level  prairie  land.  In  the  southwest  corner,  on  the  headwaters  of  Kramer 
creek,  the  surface  is  broken.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam.  Kramer  creek  has  water 
in  it  part  of  the  time.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.    Elevation,  4,500  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  five  miles. 

Township  21  S.,  R.  60  W. — This  township  is  crossed  in  ttie  southwestern 
corner  by  the  Arkansas  river,  where  there  is  a  narrow  valley.  North  of  the 
river  there  are  low  bluffs.  Most  of  the  township  is  badly  broken.  The  more 
level  lands  are  pretty  well  picked  out.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam  in  the  level 
portions,  and  a  light  clay  soil  with  shale  outcroppings  in  the  rough  places. 
This  township  is  crossed  by  two  railroad  lines  and  is  on  the  Bob  Creek  canal, 
which  skirts  the  level  valley.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10 
to  15  inches.    Elevation,  4,500  feet. 

Township  22  S.,  R.  60  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  comparatively 
level.  The  northern  portion  is  in  the  valley  of  the  Arkansas  river.  This 
township  ii  crossed  by  two  railroads  and  the  High  Line  canal.  The  soil  is  a 
good  clay  loam.  Value,  $8  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  4,600  feet. 


Pueblo  Countt  263 


Township  23  S.,  R.  60  W.— This  township  is  nearly  level,  with  a  small 
portion  gently  rolling  prairie  land.  The  soil  is  a  good  sandy  loam.  Fairly  well 
grassed.  No  surface  water.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to 
15  inches.    Elevation,  4,500  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  five  miles. 

Township  24  S.,  R.  60  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  high,  rolling 
prairie  land.  Mustang  creek  contains  water  only  part  of  the  time.  The  soil 
is  fairly  good.  There  is  a  fair  stand  of  natural  buffalo  grass.  No  stock  water 
except  from  wells.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  4,500  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  ten  miles. 

Township  25  S.,  R.  60  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  mostly  rolling 
prairie  land.  Adobe  soil  with  a  considerable  growth  of  Chico  brush  and  grease- 
wood,  also  a  fair  growth  of  grass.  No  stock  water.  Value,  $8  to  $10  per  acre. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,800  feet.  Distance  from  railroad, 
ten  miles. 

Township  26  S.,  R.  60  W. — This  township  is  crossed  diagonally  by  the 
Apishapa  river.  It  is  mostly  high,  rolling  table  land  with  a  fair  stand  of  buf- 
falo grass.  No  surface  water  outside  of  the  river.  In  the  unfenced  open  range 
country  and  used  for  sheep  range.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  4,800  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  five  miles. 

Township  18  S.,  R.  61  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  prairie  land. 
Quite  sandy.  The  soil  is  of  an  indifferent  quality  but  produces  a  fair  quality 
of  grass.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,000 
feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  fifteen  miles. 

Township  19  S.,  R.  61  W.— Most  of  this  township  is  very  poor  land. 
There  being  neither  water  nor  very  much  grass  except  in  the  two  eastern 
tiers  of  sections,  where  the  grass  is  fair.  Sandy  loam  soil.  Value,  $5  per  acre. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Distance  from  railroad, 
eight    miles.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  20  S.,  R.  61  W.— The  surface  of  this  township  is  mostly  level, 
with  some  sand  hills.  The  southern  part  is  in  the  low  bluffs  of  the  Arkansas 
river.  No  surface  water  excepting  in  the  creek,  and  that  only  part  of  the 
year.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation, 
4,500  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  two  miles. 

Township  22  S.,  R.  61  W.— The  surface  of  this  township  is  undulating 
prairie  land  of  good  quality.  A  sandy  and  clay  loam  soil.  Value,  $7  to  $10 
per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,500  feet.  Distance  from 
railroad,  two  miles. 

Township  23  S.,  R.  61  W.— This  township  is  a  high  prairie.  Generally  level 
and  gently  undulating.  The  soil  is  sandy  and  light  clay  loam.  Chicosa  creek 
furnishes  stock  water  most  of  the  year.  There  is  a  good  growth  of  bunch 
and  buffalo  grass.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  4,800  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  eight  miles. 

Township  24  S.,  R.  61  W. — This  township  is  mostly  rolling  prairie  land. 
There  is  a  fair  growth  of  bunch  grass,  but  no  surface  water  for  stock.  Value, 
$3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,900  feet. 
Distance  from  railroad,  fifteen  miles. 

Township  25  S.,  R.  61  W.— The  surface  of  this  township  is  mostly  rolling 
prairie  land;  some  parts  are  broken  and  cut  up  by  ravines.  This  is  a  good 
stock-raising  district.  No  surface  water.  Value,  $3.50  to  $6  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  fifteen 
miles. 


r 
264  Pueblo  County 


Township  22  S.,  R.  62  W. — This  township  is  principally  level  prairie  land. 
It  is  crossed  north  and  south  by  the  Huerfano  river.  The  vacant  lands  lie 
east  of  the  river  on  rather  rolling  ground;  a  part  of  this  section  being  called 
Hooker  hills  and  is  generally  rough.  Considerable  land  in  this  township  is 
suitable  for  cultivation.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.  Elevation,  4,700  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  five  miles.    • 

Township  23  S.,  R.  62  W. — A  part  of  this  township  is  fairly  level  and  a 
part  rolling;  there  are  some  broken  portions.  The  soil  is  principally  a  clay 
loam  with  gravelly  soil  on  the  hills.  No  surface  water  excepting  after  storms. 
Good  grazing  section.  Value,  $3.50  to  $7  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.    Elevation,  4,800  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  twelve  miles. 

Township  24  S.,  R.  62  W. — The  soil  in  this  township  is  of  fair  quality. 
The  township  is  generally  high  and  dry  with  some  timber  on  the  bluffs. 
Non-irrigable  and  no  surface  water  for  stock.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  An- 
nual rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Distance  from  railroad, 
thirteen  miles. 

Township  25  S.,  R.  62  W. — There  is  some  good  agricultural  land  in  this 
township;  other  portions  are  very  rough  and  rocky.  Good  grass.  This  is  a 
fine  section  for  stock  raising.  Plenty  of  building  stone  and  plenty  of  pine 
and  cedar  of  small  size.  Mustang  creek  furnishes  water  for  stock  most  of  the 
time.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation, 
5,000  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  fourteen  miles. 

Township  18  S.,  R.  63  W. — This  township  is  crossed  by  Chicosa  creek,  a 
running  stream.  The  land  averages  a  very  lair  quality  with  some  excellent 
meadow  lands,  watered  from  springs.  There  is  practically  no  timber  in  the 
township.  Excellent  grazing.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to 
15  inches.    Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  fifteen  miles. 

Township  19  S.,  R.  63  W. — This  township  is  mostly  rolling  prairie  land, 
rather  high  and  dry,  and  quite  sandy  in  spots.  Fair  grass.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5 
per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,800  feet.  Distance 
from  railroad,  six  miles. 

Township  23  S.,  R.  63  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling  and 
hilly.  It  is  crossed  by  the  Huerfano  river.  Most  of  the  valley  land  is  irri- 
gated and  under  cultivation.  Good  grass.  On  the  bench  lands,  the  soil  is  a 
sandy  clay  or  adobe.  There  is  a  fair  growth  of  gramma  and  buffalo  grass. 
No  surface  water  outside  of  the  river.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,800  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  seven 
miles. 

Township  25  S.,  R.  63  W. — This  township  is  located  along  the  Pinon  and 
Cedar  hills;  rather  an  uneven  country,  broken  and  stony.  No  surface  water. 
In  the  open  range.  Used  for  sheep  grazing.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  An- 
nual rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Distance  from  railroad, 
eight  miles. 

Township  19  S.,  R.  64  W. — This  township  is  principally  a  grazing  coun- 
try, with  only  a  small  amount  of  arable  land.  The  surface  is  rolling,  with 
a  few  scattering  pines.  No  surface  water.  This  township  is  crossed  by  two 
railroads.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Value,  $4 
to  $6  per  acre. 

Township  22  S.,  R.  64  W. — The  vacant  lands  in  this  township  are  the  up- 
lands in  the  southern  portion.  They  are  fairly  good  grazing  lands.  Water  in 
draws  part  of  the  year.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  one  mile. 


Pueblo  County  ^65 


Township  23  S.,  R.  64  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling  prairie. 
There  is  some  good  grass  and  some  good  hay  lands.  A  portion  of  this  town- 
ship may  later  be  put  under  irrigation.  The  soil  is  of  fair  quality.  No  surface 
water.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,000 
feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  one  mile. 

Township  24  S.,  R.  64  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling  prairie 
land,  furnishing  excellent  pasturage.  The  vacant  lands  are  right  close  to  a 
railroad  and  a  part  of  them  near  the  Huerfano  river.  Value,  $5  to  $6.50  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.     Elevation,  5,500  feet. 

Township  22  S.,  R.  65  W. — The  vacant  lands  in  this  township  lie  along  a 
bluff  covered  with  small  pine  timber.  Suitable  only  for  stock  raising.  Value, 
$3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  This  township  is  crossed  by  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  10 
to  15  inches.    Elevation,  5,000  feet. 

Township  23  S.,  R.  65  W. — This  township  is  inclined  to  be  hilly.  The  va- 
cant lands  are  in  the  uplands  of  the  Green  Horn  river.  A  part  of  the  land  has 
poor  grass,  and  a  part  better  grass  and  numerous  groves  of  heavy  pinon 
which  protect  stock  and  afford  winter  range.  Only  a  small  portion  of  the 
vacant  lands  are  suitable  for  cultivation.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall, 
10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Crossed  by  railroad. 

Township  24  S.,  R.  65  W. — This  township  is  partially  rolling  prairie  land 
and  partially  rough  and  rocky  with  a  considerable  growth  of  pinon  and  some 
scrub  oak.  Very  little  of  it  is  fit  for  cultivation.  Bunch  and  prairie  grass. 
Poor  grazing.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Crossed  by  railroad. 

Township  18  S.,  R.  66  W. — Mostly  rolling  prairie  land  adjoining  the  foot- 
hills. Some  portions  are  quite  rough  with  exposed  rim  rock.  Scattering  timber. 
Good  grass.  Some  good  soil  in  this  township.  Value,  $5  to  $9  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  six 
miles. 

Township  19  S.,  R.  66  W.— This  township  is  located  in  the  foothills.  The 
southern  portion  is  mostly  level  land  and  under  cultivation.  The  vacant  lands 
are  uplands  suitable  for  grazing.  Some  cedars  of  fair  quality.  Value,  $5  to  $6 
per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Distance 
from  railroad,  six  miles. 

Township  21  S.,  R.  66  W. — The  vacant  lands  in  this  township  are  in  the 
uplands  along  a  sandy  creek;  rather  broken.  Principally  suitable  for  grazing. 
Value,  $5  to  $7  per  acre.  Annual  ranifall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,000 
feet.     Distance  from  railroad,  one  mile. 

Township  22  S.,  R.  66  W.— The  land  here  is  high.  The  soil  sandy  in  char- 
acter. The  surface  is  generally  rolling  with  a  little  scattering  timber.  Value, 
$5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Dis- 
tance from  railroad,  five  miles. 

Township  23  S.,  R.  66  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  mostly  broken 
and  of  third  rate  soil;  but  along  the  several  streams  it  is  generally  first  rate 
and  capable  of  cultivation.  Some  clay  loam  soil  which  could  be  dry  farmed. 
Some  sand  hill  lands,  good  only  for  grazing,  and  that  poor.  Value,  $3.50  to  $8 
per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Distance 
from  railroad,  five  miles. 

Township  24  S.,  R.  66  W. — Some  first-class  farming  lands  along  the  creeks 
in  this  township;  the  balance  is  second  rate  farming  land.  Good  for  grazing 


266  Pueblo  County 


purposes.  Value,  $5  to  $7  per  acre.  Surface  water  in  the  Green  Horn  river. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inche*.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Touched  on  the  east 
side  by  railroad. 

Township  25  S.,  R.  66  W. — See  Huerfano  county. 

Township  18  S.,  R.  67  W. — There  are  some  good  agricultural  lands  in  this 
township.  The  northern  portion  lies  in  the  foothills;  part  of  it  is  very  rought 
and  hilly,  broken  by  deep  box  canyons  and  rim  rocks,  but  covered  with  a 
thick  growth  of  cedars  and  pinons,  and  containing  a  few  open  parks,  furnish- 
ing good  shelter  for  stock  in  winter  and  containing  good  grass.  The  soil  is 
generally  loamy.  In  brief,  the  surface  of  this  township  is  so  variegated,  it  is 
ard  to  do  it  justice  in  a  short  description,  as  there  are  so  many  different 
characteristics.  Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  5,500  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  twelve  miles. 

Township  21  S.,  R.  67  W. — Most  of  the  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling 
prairie  land.  Some  portions,  hills  covered  with  cedar  and  pinon  trees.  The  soil 
IS  generally  a  red  sandy  loam.  Several  years  ago  there  was  a  proposal  to 
build  a  canal  to  irrigate  the  most  of  this  township;  however,  for  the  present, 
the  project  has  been  dropped.  Value,  $5  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10 
to  15  inches.    Elevation,  5,000  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  three  miles. 

Township  22  S.,  R.  67  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  consists  princi- 
pally of  mountains  and  hills,  covered  with  a  poor  quality  of  timber.  There 
is  some  fairly  level  mesa  land.  The  soil  is  oi  red  loam  having  considerable 
clay.  This  is  a  dry  farming  section.  Poor  for  grazing  purposes.  Value,  $6  to 
$12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Distance 
from  railroad,  ten  miles. 

Township  23  S.,  R.  67  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  considerably 
broken  by  the  St.  Charles  river  and  tributaries.  The  land  is  covered  with 
gramma  and  rye  grass.  There  is  plenty  of  running  water  in  the  streams, 
value,  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Dis- 
tance from  railroad,  twelve  miles. 

Township  24  S.,  R.  67  W. — The  vacant  lands  in  this  township  are  rough, 
mountainous  lands.  There  is  good  stock  water.  Some  timber.  Fine  grass. 
Value,  $6  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Dis- 
tance from  railroad,  eight  miles. 

Township  25  S.,  R.  67  W. — See  Huerfano  county. 

Township  21  S.,  R.  68  W.— The  northern  portion  of  this  township  is 
prairie  land.  The  southern  and  western  portions,  broken  foothills  too  high  for 
irrigation.  Good  hard  clay  soil.  There  are  a  few  scattering  pine  trees.  No 
surface  water.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation, 
5,500  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  five  miles. 

Township  22  S.,  R.  68  W. — This  township  is  principally  mountainous. 
The  western  half  is  timber  land  included  in  the  San  Isabel  national  forest. 
The  soil  is  a  heavy  sandy  loam.  Good  crops  can  be  raised  here.  There  is  rain 
enough  to  farm  without  irrigation.  Value,  $5  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall, 
15  to  20  inches.    Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  eighteen  miles. 

Township  23  S.,  R.  68  W. — The  vacant  lands  in  this  township  are  on  a 
branch  of  the  St.  Charles  river.  The  land  is  rough  and  covered  with  pines  and 
scrub  oak.  The  soil  is  a  clay  loam.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  This  land  is  of 
little  value  excepting  for  grazing.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation, 
6,000  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  eighteen  miles. 


Pueblo  County  267 


Township  24  S.,  R.  68  W. — In  this  toSvnship  there  is  some  good  tillable 
land  along  the  streams;  the  balance  is  hilly  and  of  not  much  value  excepting 
for  grazing  purposes.  This  township  is  located  at  the  foot  of  the  Green  Horn 
range  of  mountains.  Dry  farming  is  being  carried  on  very  successfully.  The 
western  portion  is  included  in  the  San  Isabel  national  forest.  Value,  $3.50  to 
$20  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  7,000  feet.  Distance 
from  railroad,  twelve  miles. 


RIO  BLANCO  COUNTY 

GLENWOOD  LAND  DISTRICT—Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  1,412,500  Acres. 

Rio  Blanco  county  is  located  in  the  northwestern  part  of  Colorado,  ad- 
joining the  Utah  state  line.  It  is  a  very  large  county,  but  sparsely  settled, 
the  total  population  being  only  2,500.  Of  this  number,  1,000  live  in  the  town 
of  Meeker. 

The  approximate  value  per  year  of  the  agricultural  products  of  this 
county  is  as  follows: 

Wheat  and  other  grains .$125,000.00 

Hay  300,000.00 

There  are  numerous  coal  fields  in  this  county  not  operated  at  present  for 
lack  of  railroad  facilities. 

Rangely  oil  fields  are  located  in  the  northwestern  corner  of  Rio  Blanco 
county,  a  district  that  will  be  heard  from  later. 

Rio  Blanco  county  offers  considerable  good  farm  land  to  the  settler. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  87  W. — This  township  is  mostly  rolling  table  land.  It 
is  all  included  in  the  national  forest  with  the  exception  of  a  little  park  in 
the  southeastern  corner  where  the  Bunker  Basin  reservoir  is  located.  The 
western  part  lies  high  up  in  the  mountains.  Elevation,  9,000  feet.  There  is 
some  timber  in  the  township  and  some  grazing,  but  no  agricultural  lands. 
Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Thirty  miles  south  of  Ilayden,  the  nearest  railroad 
point.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  88  W. — See  Routt  county. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  89  W.— See  Routt  county. 

Township  1  N.,  R.  91  W. — ^Most  of  this  township  is  included  in  the  White 
River  national  forest.  There  are  three  sections  in  the  southeastern  corner  and 
four  sections  on  the  west  outside  of  the  forest  that  can  be  classified  as  agri- 
cultural lands,  altitude,  7,500  to  8,000  feet,  making  this  land  too  high  for  any- 
thing but  hay  ranches.  This  is  a  good  stock-raising  country.  This  township  is 
generally  covered  with  a  dense  growth  of  underbrush,  rank  weeds  and  coarse 
grass.  The  timber  is  mostly  dead  throughout  the  entire  township.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  91  W.— See  Moffat  county. 

Township  1  S.,  R.  91  W. — The  soil  on  all  the  bottoms  of  the  North  and 
South  forks  of  White  river.  White  river  itself,  and  Beaver  creek,  are  first  rate. 
The  benches  and  mesas  offer  good  pasturage.  In  places  on  the  eastern  portion 
of  the  township  rocks  are  abundant  and  make  it  very  difficult  to  clear  the 
land  for  use.  Located  thirty- five  miles  from  Rifle,  the  nearest  railroad  point. 
Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $5  to  $12  per 
acre. 

Township  1  N.,  R.  92  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  generally  moun- 
tainous. Along  Beaver  creek  the  land  is  suitable  for  agriculture.  In  the  north- 
ern and  eastern  portions,  there  is  a  considerable  growth  of  heavy  timber.  The 
mountainous  portion  is  covered  with  a  dense  undergrowth  of  small  brush. 
Located  thirty- five  miles  north  of  Rifle,  the  nearest  railroad  point.  Elevation, 
6,500  to  7,800  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre. 


Rio  Blanco  County  269 


Township  2  N.,  R.  S2  W. — A  rough,  hilly  and  mountainous  township,  the 
•astern  portion  of  which  is  included  in  the  White  River  national  lorest. 
There  are  some  little  strips  of  agricultural  land  along  the  creeks.  Elevation, 
7,000  to  9,000  feet.  This  is  mostly  a  grazing  section.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  16  to  20  inches.  Forty  miles  from  Rifle,  the  nearest 
railroad  point. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  92  W. — See  Moffat  county. 

Township  1  S.,  R.  92  W. — ^In  this  township  there  are  splendid  bottom 
lands  along  the  White  river.  In  the  northern  portion  of  the  township  a  high 
ridge  crosses,  its  slopes  offering  good  grazing.  Some  timber  grows  in  the 
middle  of  the  township.  No  mineral.  Ix)cated  thirty  miles  from  Rifle,  the 
nearest  railroad  point.  Elevation,  6,500  to  7,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25 
inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  2  S.,  R.  92  W. — The  southern  portion  of  this  township  is  in- 
cluded in  the  White  River  national  forest.  The  surface  to  a  great  extent  is 
made  up  of  table  lands  cut  up  by  three  main  streams  and  their  tributaries. 
The  steep  slopes  on  the  side  of  these  creeks  are  clad  with  aspen  and  pine. 
Water  is  found  in  the  creeks  nearly  all  the  year.  Some  timber  on  the  high- 
lands. Splendid  grass.  Elevation,  7,500  to  9,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25 
inches.  Located  thirty-nine  miles  from  Rifle,  the  nearest  railroad  point. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  1  N.,  R.  93  W. — This  township  lies  in  what  is  known  as  Agency 
park.  The  lands  along  the  northern  boundary  are  very  rough  and  mountain- 
ous, covered  with  dense  brush  and  some  timber.  The  balance  of  the  town- 
ship consists  of  rolling  hills  and  bottom  lands  along  the  creeks  and  White 
river  bottom.  Some  scrub  cedar  on  the  bluffs  and  high  ridges  along  the  north- 
ern side  of  the  river.  Where  not  cultivated  the  township  is  covered  with  a 
dense  growth  of  brush.  The  soil  is  very  fertile  and  produces  large  crops,  espe- 
cially where  the  land  is  irrigated.  There  are  coal  indications  in  this  township. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Located  thirty-five 
miles  north  of  Rifle,  the  nearest  railroad  point.  Value,  $3.50  to  $12  per  acre. 

Township  2  N.,  R.  93  W. — This  township  is  very  rough  and  broken  in 
character,  consisting  of  ridges  and  spurs,  extending  generally  in  a  northern 
and  southerly  direction  from  the  divide  between  the  White  and  Bear  rivers. 
The  slopes  of  these  ridges  and  spurs  are  covered  with  a  dense  undergrowth 
of  brush  and  some  timber.  Some  agricultural  lands  along  Curtis  and  Grood 
Spring  creeks  and  on  top  of  the  divide  where  the  gulches  are  not  so  deep  and 
the  ground  is  more  rolling  with  gentler  slopes.  There  are  good  crops  of  native 
hay  grown  here.  *" 
tables  are  grown 
Some  coal.  Elevation, 
Distance  from  Rifle,  the  nearest  railroad  point,  thirty  miles.  Value,  $3.50 
per  acre. 


Township  3  N.,  R.  93  W.— See  Moffat  county. 

Township  1  S.,  R.  93  W. — This  township  lies  on  the  White  river  mesa. 
The  soil  is  good  and  where  under  ditch  is  successfully  cultivated.  Elevation 
varies  from  6,500  to  8,000  feet.  Located  thirty  miles  north  of  Rifle,  the  near- 
est railroad  point.  Annual  rainfall,  18  to  26  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to  $12  per  acre. 

Township  2  S.,  R.  93  W. — All  except  the  extreme  northern  portion  of  the 
township  is  included  in  the  White  River  national  forest.  In  the  tier  of  sec- 
tions not  included  in  the  forest,  a  good  deal  of  lime  rock  occurs  which  makes 


270  Rio  Blanco  County 


good  cement  and  quicklime  when  burnt.  The  township  is  well  adapted  to 
grazing  and  is  well  watered.  The  elevation  is  too  high  for  agricultural  land, 
ranging  from  8,500  to  9,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.  Located 
twenty-five  miles  north  of  Rifle,  the  nearest  railroad  point.  Value,  $3.50  to 
$5  per  acre. 

Township  1  N.,  R.  94  W. — Meeker,  the  largest  town  in  Rio  Blanco  county, 
and  also  the  county  seat,  is  located  in  this  township.  White  river,  which 
crosses  it,  is  one  of  the  best  streams  in  the  state,  both  as  to  quantity  and 
quality  of  water,  the  flow  averaging  375  to  400  second  feet.  The  valley  lands 
are  exceptionally  rich  and  fertile.  Some  coal  mining  here.  The  northern  por- 
tion of  the  township  is  very  rough  and  rugged  except  along  the  narrow  creek 
valleys.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Located  forty 
miles  north  of  Rifle,  the  nearest  railroad  point.  Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  2  N.,  R.  94  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rough  and 
broken  throughout,  consisting  mainly  of  ridges  extending  in  a  southeasterly 
direction,  the  slopes  of  which  are  very  steep  and  covered  with  a  dense  under- 
growth of  brush.  This  is  a  good  grazing  section.  The  eastern  portion  of 
the  township  is  underlaid  with  bituminous  coal  of  excellent  quality.  The 
creeks  are  dry  during  most  of  the  year  but  furnish  plenty  of  flood  water  in 
the  springtime.  The  land  along  the  creek  valleys  is  rich  and  productive.  Lo- 
cated thirty  miles  from  Craig,  the  nearest  railroad  point.  Annual  rainfall,  10 
to  15  inches.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  94  W.— See  Moffat  county. 

Township  1  S.,  R.  94  W. — The  great  hogback  which  runs  in  a  northerly 
and  southerly  direction  through  the  central  part  of  this  township  is  a  sharp 
sandstone  ridge  covered  with  pinon,  cedars  and  oak  brush,  with  many  perpen- 
dicular ledges  of  sandstone  underlaid  with  coal  veins.  East  of  the  hogback, 
the  land  is  rolling  and  less  precipitous,  covered  with  fine  grass,  making  it 
a  good  grazing  section.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Located  twenty- five  miles  north  of  Rifle,  the  nearest  railroad  point. 

Township  2  S.,  R.  94  W. — This  township  is  crossed  by  the  great  hogback, 
showing  large  outcroppings  of  a  fine  quality  of  coal.  The  valleys  between  the 
ridges  have  some  good  agricultural  land.  Timber  is  very  scarce.  Elevation, 
7,500  feet.  Located  twenty  miles  from  Rifle,  the  nearest  railroad  point.  An- 
nual rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  3  S.,  R.  94  W. — The  eastern  portion  of  this  township  is  crossed 
by  the  great  hogback.  In  the  western  portion  there  are  several  creeks  along 
which  are  fine  farm  lands.  There  are  also  some  good  coal  lands  in  this 
township.  Located  fifteen  miles  north  of  Rifle,  the  nearest  railroad  point. 
Elevation,  7,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to  $10  per 
acre. 

Township  1  N.,  R.  95  W. — This  township  is  generally  hilly  and  rough  in 
character,  with  the  exception  of  the  valleys  of  White  river  and  Strawberry 
creek.  These  valleys  contain  a  large  area  of  agricultural  land,  and  can  be 
classified  as  a  very  fertile  productive  district.  Fine  grazing.  Abundance  of 
grass  throughout  the  township.  On  the  higher  sections  are  to  be  found  cedar 
and  pine  timber.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Lo- 
cated forty  miles  north  of  Rifle,  the  nearest  railroad  point.  Value,  $5  to  $12 
per  acre. 

Township  2  N.,  R.  95  W. — This  township  is  very  rough  and  broken,  con- 
sisting of  broken  ridges  ajid  hills  Qovered  with  pinon  and  cedar  timber,  with 


KiQ  Blanco  County 271 

many  sandstone  ledges  and  bluffs,  steep  and  precipitous  in  character.  Grood 
native  grass  in  abundance  throughout  the  township.  No  agricultural  land  of 
any  consequence;  there  are  a  few  strips  along  the  creeks.  Elevation,  6,600 
to  7,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  inches.  Located  forty-five  miles  north  of 
Rifle,  the  nearest  railroad  point.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  95  W. — See  Moffat  county. 

Township  1  S.,  R.  95  W. — This  township  is  mostly  hills.  Between  ridges, 
narrow  gulches  run  in  a  northerly  direction  toward  the  White  river.  Good 
timber  is  found  in  the  eastern  part.  Grazing  is  good.  The  rolling  and  level 
portions  are  covered  with  dense  sage  and  oak  brush.  Elevation,  7,000  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Located  thirty- 
five  miles  north  of  Rifle,  the  nearest  railroad  point. 

Township  2  S.,  R.  95  W. — This  is  a  rough,  mountainous  township,  unsur- 
veyed. 

Township  3  S.,  R.  95  W. — This  township  is  watered  by  Piceance  and  Four- 
teen-Mile creeks,  which  form  fertile  valleys  from  one-eight  to  a  half  mile 
wide.  Several  gulches,  although  dry,  lead  from  these  creeks  and  have  fertile 
bottom  lands.  Some  ridges  and  bare  sandstone  cliffs  run  over  the  mesas  in 
this  township.  Timber  is  scarce.  Located  fifteen  miles  from  Rifle,  the  nearest 
railroad  point.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  20  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  4  S.,  R.  95  W. — The  Book  cliffs  take  in  the  southern  and  south- 
western portins  of  the  township.  Some  of  the  gulches  have  good  springs  and 
nice  bottom  lands;  soil  is  first  rate.  Cow  creek  runs  along  the  extreme  eastern 
side  of  the  township,  and  Piceance  creek  crosses  the  most  northeasterly  part. 
Timber  is  scarce.  Located  ten  miles  northwest  of  Rifle,  the  nearest  railroad 
point.  Elevation,  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $3.60  to 
$5  per  acre. 

Township  1  N.,  R.  96  W. — Nearly  all  of  this  township  is  hilly.  There  are 
good,  narrow  valleys  along  the  side  of  the  river,  also  narrow  bench  or  mesa 
lands.  They  are  covered  with  a  dense  growth  of  small  brush.  The  mesa  lands 
have  very  good  soil  but  would  require  irrigation.  Timber  is  of  the  dwarf 
variety.  The  country  is  used  mainly  as  a  cattle  range.  Located  forty-five 
miles  from  Rifle,  the  nearest  railroad  point.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  2  N.,  R.  96  W. — A  hilly  township,  containing  some  good  timber 
land.  Plenty  of  water  for  stock  furnised  by  springs.  Located  just  north  of 
White  river  and  fifty  miles  from  Craig,  the  nearest  railroad  point.  Elevation, 
6,000  to  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  1  S.,  R.  96  W. — This  township  has  very  little  timber.  In  the 
middle  and  northern  portions  occur  groves  of  pinons  and  cedar.  Most  of  the 
surface  is  covered  with  scrub  oak,  sage  and  other  brush.  Good  grazing  is 
found  along  gulches  and  ravines,  which  are  dry  the  greater  part  of  the  year. 
Turmans  creek  contains  some  water  in  places.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Located 
forty  miles  northwest  of  Rifle,  the  nearest  railroad  point.  Annual  rainfall, 
20  to  25  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  2  S.,  R.  96  W. — This  township  consists  principally  of  elevated 
plateaus  cut  by  many  ravines  and  gulches  and  traversed  by  many  ridges. 
The  greater  part  of  the  surface  affords  fine  grazing.  There  are  a  few  groves 
of  scrubby  cedars  and  pinons.  Water  is  found  in  some  of  the  ravines  and 
gulches  during  the  spring  and  summer.  There  is  a  fertile  valley  along  Piceance 
creek  on  the  southern  edge.  Elevation,  7,000  feet.  Located  thirty  miles  north- 


272  Rio  Blanco  County 


west  of  Rifle,  the  nearest  railroad  point.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  ^  inches. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  3  S.,  R.  96  W. — This  township  is  well  watered  by  Piceance 
creek  in  the  northeastern  portion,  whose  branches  carry  water  and  have  good 
springs  at  intervals.  There  is  an  abundance  of  red  spruce,  pinon  and  cedar 
timber,  principally  in  the  western  part  of  the  township.  Agricultural  lands 
are  confined  to  narrow  valleys  along  the  gulches.  Elevation,  7,000  feet.  Twenty 
miles  northwest  of  Rifle,  the  nearest  railroad  point.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 

Township  4  S.,  R.  96  W. — At  the  time  this  book  was  written,  there  was 
not  an  entry  in  this  township.  The  central  portion  is  a  fine  grazing  section, 
while  on  the  mesas  and  along  the  branches  of  the  East  fork  of  Stuart  gulch 
there  are  first-class  agricultural  lands.  Plenty  of  water.  Some  timber.  Eleva- 
tion, 7,500  feet.  Located  ten  miles  northwest  of  Rifle,  the  nearest  railroad 
point.     Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  2  N.,  R.  97  W. — This  township  is  crossed  diagonally  by  the 
White  river.  The  surface  is  rolling  and  hilly.  There  are  some  tillable  lands 
in  the  valley  of  the  White  river.  This  is  a  fair  cattle  range  except  for  the 
scarcity  of  water  away  from  the  White  river.  The  timber  is  poor.  Value,  $3.50 
to  $5  per  acre.  Located  forty  miles  south  of  Craig,  the  nearest  railroad  point. 
Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  97  W.— See  Moffat  county. 

Township  1  S.,  R.  97  W. — This  township  is  hilly.  Many  ridges  run  across 
the  elevated  plateau  which  is  covered  with  sage  brush  and  pinon  and  cedar 
timber.  The  timber  is  quite  thick  in  the  central  portion  of  the  township. 
Piceance  creek  crosses  the  township,  widening  here  and  there  to  fair-sized 
valleys  where  irrigated  crops  could  be  raised.  Located  thirty-five  miles  from 
Rifle,  the  nearest  railroad  point.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to 
20  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  2  S.,  R.  97  W. — There  are  narrow  strips  of  land  along  the 
streams  in  this  township,  suitable  for  cultivation,  which  are  quite  fertile. 
Other  portions  of  the  township  are  hilly  and  partially  covered  with  pinon  and 
cedar.  The  western  portion  contains  more  sage  brush.  This  is  a  good  grazing 
section.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Located  thirty-five 
miles  from  Rifle,  the  nearest  railroad  point.  Annual  rainfall,  15  inches. 

Township  3  S.,  R.  97  W. — This  township  is  generally  hilly.  High  ridges 
and  hogbacks  traverse  this  section;  between  them  runs  several  gulches, 
usually  dry.  In  the  northern  portion  the  ridges  are  wooded,  while  the  higher 
portions  are  table  or  mesa  lands.  This  is  a  fair  grazing  section.  Elevation, 
7,500  feet.  Distance  from  Rifle,  the  nearest  railroad  point,  thirty  miles.  An- 
nual rainfall,  15  inches.     Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  4  S.,  R.  97  W.— This  township  is  on  the  northern  edge  of  a  big 
plateau.  It  is  quite  high  and  cut  by  many  hogbacks  and  ridges.  This  is  a 
rather  arid  section,  most  of  the  creeks  and  gulches  being  dry.  This  is  a  good 
grazing  district  and  some  good  timber  lands.  Elevation,  7,500  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Located  twenty  miles  northwest  of  Grand  Valley, 
the  nearest  railroad  point.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  1  N.,  R.  98  W.— This  it  a  rolling,  hilly  section.  No  running 
water.  There  are  a  few  good  springs;  and  some  good  agricultural  land  which 
could  be  irrigated  from  storage  reservoirs.    Natural  wild  hay  quite  abundant. 


^ Rio  Blanco  County 273 

There  is  some  scrub  cedar  timber  but  of  no  commercial  value.  Elevation, 
6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Located  thirty-five  miles  north- 
west of  Grand  Valley,  the  nearest  railroad  point.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  2  N.,  R.  98  W. — There  are  some  very  good  ranches  along  the 
bottom  of  White  river.  There  is  mesa  land  south  of  the  river,  the  soil  of  which 
is  fine.  There  are  some  fertile  lands  along  Yellow  creek,  which  flows  north- 
west of  the  township.  The  southeastern  portion  of  the  township  is  rather 
rough  and  mountainous.  There  is  only  scant  scrub  timber  in  this  township. 
Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Located  forty  miles 
-north  of  Grand  Valley,  the  nearest  railroad  point.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  98  W.— See  Moffat  county. 

Township  1  S.,  R.  98  W. — ^Bitter  creek  is  the  only  creek  in  this  township, 
and  it  is  dry  the  greater  part  of  the  year.  There  is  a  fair  growth  of  grass  and 
some  Cottonwood  groves  along  the  valley.  The  gulches  running  into  this  creek 
are  generally  grassy.  The  ridges  are  covered  with  cedars  and  pinions.  Be- 
tween the  ridges  are  parks  covered  with  sage  and  other  brush,  of  which  there 
is  an  unusual  quantity.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Located  thirty- five  miles  north  of  Grand  Valley,  the  nearest  railroad  point. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  2  S.,  R.  98  W. — Black  Sulphur  creek  runs  through  the  southern 
portion  of  this  township.  Ryan's  gulch  runs  through  the  northern  part.  Black 
Sulphur  creek  has  a  good  supply  of  water  the  year  round.  There  are  some 
meadow  lands  along  it.  There  is  some  grass  in  the  township,  but  it  is  mostly 
covered  with  a  heavy  growth  of  brush.  There  is  some  pinon  and  cedar  quite 
heavy  along  the  ridges.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Located  thirty  miles  northwest  of  Grand  Valley,  the  nearest  railroad  point. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  3  S.,  R.  98  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  a  succession  of 
gulches  and  ridges,  all  having  a  general  direction  northeast.  Fawn  creek  af- 
fords fine  grazing  and  has  many  groves  of  box  elder  and  cottonwoods  along 
it.  There  is  water  in  the  streams  the  year  round.  Fine  grazing  is  found  in  and 
along  the  side  of  the  gulches,  and  the  ridges  are  fairly  timbered  with  pinon 
and  cedar.  Elevation,  7,500  feet.  Located  twenty-five  miles  northwest  of 
Grand  Valley,  the  nearest  railroad  point.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  4  S.,  R.  98  W. — This  township  is  generally  high  and  hilly,  cut 
by  deep  gulches  with  a  drainage  toward  the  northeast.  Most  of  these  are  dry 
during  a  greater  part  of  the  year.  The  hogbacks  are  covered  with  some  pinon 
timber,  and  aspen  groves  are  frequent  in  the  gulches.  Good  grazing  is  found 
along  the  slopes.  Elevation,  8,000  to  9,000  feet.  Located  twenty  miles  north- 
west of  Grand  Valley,  the  nearest  railroad  point.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.     Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  1  N.,  R.  99  W. — This  township  is  in  a  hilly  section.  The  deep, 
narrow  gulches  are  heavily  timbered  in  the  eastern  and  southeastern  portions. 
There  is  a  heavy  growth  of  underbrush  and  good  grass.  There  is  no  water 
with  the  excepution  of  three  springs.  This  is  a  good  winter  range  but  not 
a  farming  district.  Elevation,  7,000  to  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.  Located  thirty-five  miles  northeast  of  Dragon,  Utah,  the  nearest  rail- 
road station.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Not  a  claim  of  any  kind  is  located  in  this 
township  at  this  writing. 

Township  2  N.,  R.  99  W. — This  is  a  hilly,  almost  mountainous,  district, 
suitable  only  for  grazing.  Water  is  scarce.  There  are  a  few  springs  in  the 


274 Bio  Blanco  County 

township,  but  no  creeks.  Suitable  for  winter  range  only.  Some  good  grazing. 
There  is  a  dense  undergrowth  of  brush.  The  eastern  portion  is  heavily  tim- 
bered, also  the  western.  Located  thirty- five  miles  northeast  of  Dragon,  Utah, 
the  nearest  railroad  point.  Elevation,  7,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre. 


Township  3  N.,  R.  99  W.— See  Moffat  county. 


Township  1  S.,  R.  99  W. — This  is  a  hilly  and  mountainous  district.  The 
gulches  are  fairly  well  timbered,  being  more  precipitous  on  the  northern  than 
on  the  southern  sides.  This  is  a  fine  grazing  country  during  the  summer 
months.  Elevation,  7,000  to  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Lo- 
cated thirty  miles  northeast  of  Dragon,  Utah,  the  nearest  railroad  point. 
Value,  $3.50  per  acre. 

Township  2  S.,  R.  99  W. — This  township  lies  on  the  eastern  slope  of 
Cathedral  bluffs.  There  are  several  gulches  carrying  water  the  year  round. 
The  ridges  generally  are  clad  in  pinon  timber  and  covered  with  fine 
grass.  Elevation,  7,500  feet.  This  township  is  a  strictly  grazing  district,  not 
suitable  for  farming.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre. 
Located  thirty  miles  northeast  of  Dragon,  Utah,  the  nearest  railroad  point. 

Township  3  S.,  R.  99  W. — This  is  a  rough,  mountainous  district  on  the 
crest  of  Cathedral  bluffs.  It  is  well  watered  and  there  is  splendid  grazing 
throughout  the  summer.  The  grass  grows  tall  on  the  slopes.  There  is  very 
little  timber.  Elevation,  8,500  feet.  Located  thirty  miles  east  of  Dragon,  Utah, 
the  nearest  railroad  point.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches. 

Township  4  S.,  R.  99  W. — This  township  is  on  the  divide  between  the 
White  and  the  Grand  rivers.  Elevation,  about  9,000  feet.  There  is  considerable 
timber  along  the  streams.  Too  high  for  cultivation,  being  suitable  only  for 
summer  grazing.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Located  thirty  miles  west  of  DeBeque, 
the  nearest  railroad  point.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  1  N.,  R.  100  W. — A  hilly  township  crossed  by  deep  gulches. 
Suitable  for  grazing,  although  strips  along  the  gulches  and  creeks  might 
be  cultivated.  There  is  a  dense  undergrowth  on  most  of  the  township;  some 
scrub  cedar.  Plenty  of  grass  and  water.  A  good  stock  grazing  district.  Value, 
$3.50  per  acre.  Located  thirty- five  miles  northeast  of  Dragon,  Utah,  the  near- 
est railroad  point.  Elevation,  7,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  2  N.,  R.  100  W. — White  river  crosses  the  northern  portion  of 
this  township.  Outside  of  the  bottom  lands  along  the  river,  which  are  good, 
the  township  is  generally  hilly.  There  are  mesas  on  each  side  of  the  river, 
composed  of  good  land,  and  should  be  fine  agricultural  land  if  irrigated. 
There  is  some  scrub  cedar  on  the  highlands.  The  entire  township  is  naturally 
covered  with  a  dense  growth  of  underbrush.  Good  grazing  district.  Located 
forty  miles  northeast  of  Dragon,  Utah,  the  nearest  railroad  point.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  100  W.— See  Moffat  county. 

Township  1  S.,  R.  100  W. — A  precipitous,  mountainous  district  on  top  of 
Cathedral  bluffs.  Not  much  grazing  country  in  the  township.  Some  pine  tim- 
ber along  the  northern  and  eastern  edges.  Inaccessible  and  valueless  at  the 
present  time. 

Township  2  S.,  R.  100  W. — This  township  is  partially  located  on  the  crest 
of  Cathedral  bluffs.  It  is  a  rough,  precipitous  country  and  clad  with  pinon 


Rio  Blanco  County 275 

timber.  Good  grazing.  Elevation,  8,000  to  9,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.  Located  twenty-five  miles  southeast  of  Dragon,  Utah,  the  nearest 
railroad  point.  Value,  $3.60  per  acre. 

Township  3  S.,  R.  100  W. — A  mountainous  section  adapted  to  grazing  and 
coal  mining,  with  the  exception  of  narrow  strips  of  agricultural  land  along  the 
valleys  of  Cathedral  and  East  Douglass  creeks.  These  creeks  would  supply 
water  for  irrigating  considerable  land;  they  are  clear,  cold  mountain  streams 
well  stocked  with  brook  trout.  The  township  contains  large  bodies  of  heavy 
cedar  and  pinon  timber,  some  aspen.  There  is  an  abundance  of  grass.  Located 
twenty- five  miles  east  of  Dragon,  Utah,  the  nearest  railroad  point.  Value, 
$3.50  to  $5    per  acre.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  4  S.,  R.  100  W. — This  township  lies  on  the  divide  between  the 
White  and  Grand  rivers.  Some  portions  are  rugged  and  rough.  Lake  and  Sol- 
diers creeks  drain  the  northeastern  portion.  These  are  clear  streams,  stocked 
with  brook  trout.  The  lake  from  which  Lake  creek  derives  its  name  is  a 
natural  reservoir  site  which  might  be  used  in  a  small  way  for  storing  water 
for  irrigating  the  lands  along  Cathedral  creek.  The  southeastern  portion  of 
the  township  is  drained  by  the  tributaries  of  Roan  creek,  and  the  western 
portion  drains  through  East  Douglass  creek.  The  soil  throughout  the  town- 
ship is  generally  thin  and  somewhat  stony,  but  produces  grass.  Located  fif- 
teen miles  east  of  Atchee,  the  nearest  railroad  point.  Elevation,  6,500  to  9,000 
feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  1  N.,  R.  101  W. — A  hilly  district,  suitable  only  for  grazing. 
There  are  numerous  coal  outcroppings,  but  no  mining.  Elevation,  5,500  to  6,500 
feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Located  twenty  miles  northeast  of 
Dragon,  Utah,  the  nearest  railroad  point.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre. 

Township  2  N.,  R.  101  W. — A  very  rough  township  containing  a  heavy 
undergrowth  of  brush.  Fine  grazing.  This  is  a  good  winter  range.  There  ia 
a  little  farming  along  the  White  river,  where  the  land  is  irrigated  by  water 
wheels,  which  raise  the  water  from  the  river.  Some  good  bituminous  coal 
lands  in  this  township.  Elevation,  5,500  to  6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to 
15  inches.  Located  twenty-five  miles  northeast  of  Dragon,  Utah,  the  nearest 
railroad  point.  Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  101  W.— See  Moffat  county. 

Township  1  S.,  R.  101  W. — The  land  along  Douglass  creek  is  bottom  land 
comparatively  level,  covered  with  a  very  dense  tangle  of  brush.  Fine  land,  if 
watered,  the  soil  being  a  sandy  adobe  of  medium  quality,  which  washes  very 
easily.  The  remainder  of  the  township  is  high,  rocky  ridges  and  deep,  narrow 
canons  or  gulches  of  no  value.  Some  sandstone  ledges.  No  springs  or  streams 
in  the  township.  There  are  thirty-six  square  miles  without  an  entry. 

Township  2  S.,  R.  101  W. — An  extremely  rough  and  hilly  district,  except 
a  strip  of  bottom  land  along  Douglass  creek.  There  is  considerable  timber  of 
poor  quality.  Several  veins  of  coal  have  been  found,  but  of  not  much  com- 
mercial value.  This  is  a  good  agricultural  and  stock  country.  Located  fifteen 
miles  northeast  of  Davis  canyon,  the  nearest  railroad  point.  Elevation,  6,500 
feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  3  S.,  R.  101  W. — The  bottom  lands  along  Douglass  creek  are 
suitable  for  cultivation  if  irrigated,  but  the  scarcity  of  water  in  West  Doug- 
lass creek  makes  irrigation  very  improbable  unless  a  storage  reservoir  is  used. 
The  soil  is  a  sandy  adobe  of  medium  quality.  Outside  of  the  bottoms  the  town- 
ship consists  of  high,  rocky  ridges  and  spurs,  and  deep,  narrow  gulches  or 


276 Rio  Blancx)  County 

canyons  of  no  value  even  for  grazing  purposes.  The  ridges  are  a  succession 
of  sandstone  ledges  covered  with  a  dense  growth  of  cedar  and  pinon  timber. 
Elevation,  6,500  to  7,600  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Located  fifteen 
miles  east  of  Davis  Canyon,  the  nearest  railroad  point.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5 
per  acre. 

Township  4  S.,  R.  101  W. — This  is  an  extremely  rough  and  hilly  township. 
Most  of  it  lies  on  very  steep  slopes  on  the  divide  between  East  and  West 
Douglass  creeks.  Some  timber  and  an  abundance  of  good  grass.  In  West 
Douglass  drainage,  on  the  west  portion  of  the  divide,  the  soil  is  very  inferior 
and  grass  is  scarce.  Located  twelve  miles  east  of  Siewald,  the  nearest  rail- 
road point.  Elevation,  6,500  to  8,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  1  N.,  R.  102  W. — The  White  river  crosses  the  northern  portion 
of  the  township.  The  surface  is  generally  hilly  with  the  exception  of  the 
river  bottom  lands.  In  tlie  southern  portion  are  mesas  covered  with  sagebrush 
and  scrub  cedar.  There  is  an  extensive  irrigation  project  being  considered 
that  would  irrigate  the  mesas  south  of  the  river,  where  the  soil  is  a  sandy 
loam  and  quite  productive  when  irrigated.  North  of  the  river,  the  soil  is 
adobe.  Good  natural  grass  over  the  mesas.  There  is  a  scarcity  of  water.  This 
is  in  a  district  where  they  have  been  drilling  for  oil  recently,  and  is  generally 
spoken  of  as  the  Rangely  oil  fields.  Located  twenty  miles  northeast  of  Dragon, 
Utah,  the  nearest  railroad  point.  Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  2  N.,  R.  102  W. — This  township  is  in  what  is  locally  known  as 
Ravens'  park,  and  is  generally  spoken  of  on  the  outside  as  Rangely  oil  fields. 
It  is  not  attractive  to  the  farmer  or  the  homeseeker,  being  broken  and  cut 
by  deep  draws.  A  rough,  broken,  hilly  section,  covered  with  sage  and  brush. 
Some  blue  stem  grass.  Valuable  only  for  grazing.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Eleva- 
tion, 6,000  feet.  Located  twenty- five  miles  north  of  Dragon,  Utah,  the  nearest 
railroad  point. 

Township  1  S.,  R.  102  W. — A  rough,  mountainous  township,  covered  with 
a  fair  growth  of  cedars.  Grood  grass  in  abundance  throughout.  Water  is  quite 
scarce.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Located  ten  miles  northeast  of  Davis  Canyon, 
the  nearest  railroad  point.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches. 

Township  3  S.,  R.  102  W. — The  lands  along  the  creek  bottom  of  this  town- 
ship are  of  fair  quality  and  capable  of  producing  good  crops.  There  is  enough 
water  in  Douglass  creek  to  irrigate  a  small  portion  of  this  land.  A  reservoir 
system  could  readily  furnish  an  adequate  supply.  Outside  of  the  bottom  lands, 
this  township  is  very  rough  and  mountainous  and  of  little  value.  Located  five 
miles  from  railroad.  Elevation,  7,500  feet.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  4  S.,  R.  102  W.— The  northern  half  of  this  township  consists 
principally  of  hills  covered  with  scattering  pinon  timber,  sage  brush  and  a 
growth  of  aspens.  Twin  Buttes  mountains  extend  through  sections  34,  32  and 
28,  and  is  about  1,800  feet  above  the  level  of  Douglass  creek  bottom.  There  is 
some  pinon  and  pine  timber  in  the  southwestern  portion  of  this  township.  It 
is  a  grazing  district,  better  adapted  to  summer  than  winter  grazing. 
Elevation,  7,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Located  five  miles  from 
railroad.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  1  N.,  R.  103  W.— This  township  is  crossed  by  the  White  river 
and  is  located  in  the  Rangely  oil  fields.    There  are  also  deposits  of  hydro  car- 


. Rio  Blanco  County 277 

bon.  The  surface  is  generally  hilly  with  good  agricultural  lands  along  the 
river  bottoms.  There  is  sage  brush  on  the  hills,  with  plenty  of  grass,  afford- 
ing good  grazing.  Located  fifteen  miles  northeast  of  Dragon,  Utah,  the  near- 
est railroad  station.  Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  2  N.,  R.  103  W. — Raven's  ridge  is  in  the  western  portion  of  this 
township  and  slopes  gradually  towards  Raven's  park  in  the  eastern  boundary. 
This  is  in  the  Rangely  oil  field  and  is  not  suitable  for  agriculture.  Fair  grass. 
Located  twenty  miles  north  of  Dragon,  Utah,  the  nearest  railroad  point. 
Elevation,  6,000  to  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $3.60 
per  acre  as  grazing  land. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  103  W. — See  Moffat  county. 

Township  1  S.,  R.  103  W. — A  hilly  township,  suitable  only  for  grazing 
and  coal  mining  in  the  Big  Park  country.  There  is  considerable  land  that  is 
level  and  rolling,  free  from  timber,  which  could  be  cultivated  if  irrigated.  No 
available  water.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Located  ten  miles  from  railroad.  Ele- 
vation, 6,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to  $6  per  acre. 

Township  2  S.,  R.  103  W. — A  rough,  mountainous  township  not  surveyed. 

Township  3  S.,  R.  103  W. — The  lands  in  this  township  are  generally  rough 
and  hilly,  with  the  exception  of  a  small  portion  in  the  northwestern  corner, 
where  it  flattens  out  into  mesa.  An  abundance  of  good  grass,  some  timber, 
but  no  water  except  in  holes  in  sections  9  and  28,  and  they  rarely  have  water 
in  them  on  account  of  the  dryness  of  the  climate.  Excellent  grazing  district. 
Located  three  miles  from  railroad.  Value,.  $3.50  per  acre.  Elevation,  6,500  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  4  S.,  R.  103  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  broken  by  high 
and  steep  ridges.  Plenty  of  blue  and  joint  grass  growing  on  the  sides  of  the 
ridges,  furnishing  fair  grazing.  Watered  by  Evacuation  creek  and  its  tribu- 
taries. Elevation,  7,000  feet.  This  township  is  touched  by  a  railroad.  Value, 
$3.50  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  1  N.,  R.  104  W. — A  rough,  hilly  township,  crossed  by  White 
river,  along  which  are  fertile  bottom  lands.  There  is  a  rank  growth  of  sage 
brush  covering  the  mesas  above  the  river  bottoms.  This  is  a  good  grazing  dis- 
trict. Oil  and  asphaltum  are  in  evidence.  Value,  $3.50  to  ^  per  acre.  Lo- 
cated fifteen  miles  from  railroad.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10 
to  15  inches. 

Township  2  N.,  R.  104  W. — A  rolling  and  hilly  district,  covered  with  a 
dense  growth  of  sage  brush  and  some  scrub  cedar.  Plenty  of  good  grass  but 
no  surface  water.  Elevation,  7,000  feet.  Located  twenty  miles  from  railroad. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  1  S.,  R.  104  W.— Not  surveyed. 


RIO  GRANDE  COUNTY 

DEL  NORTE  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  108,293  Acres. 

Rio  Grande  county  is  in  the  south-central  portion  of  Colorado.  The  east- 
ern boundary  of  this  county  is  in  the;  San  Luis  valley  and  the  western 
boundary  lies  in  the  San  Juan  mountains. 

The  metropolis  and  principal  city  of  Rio  Grande  county  is  the  enterpris- 
ing town  of  Monte  Vista,  with  a  population  of  3,000.  Del  Norte,  the  county 
seat,  has  a  population  of  1,000.  The  total  population  for  the  county  is  about 
7,000.  There  are  large  areas  of  irrigated  land  in  the  valleys  in  this  county, 
raising  grain,  sugar  beets,  field  peas  and  potatoes.  No  better  farm  lands 
anywhere  than  those  of  Rio  Grande  county. 

The  approximate  value  per  year  of  the  agricultural  products  of  this 
county  is  as  follows: 

Wheat  and  other  grain '. $800,000.00 

Hay    350,000.00 

Sugar  beets  and  potatoes 350,000.00 

Township  40  N.,  R.  3  E. — All  of  this  township,  except  eight  sections  in 
the  southeastern  corner,  is  included  in  the  Rio  Grande  national  forest.  The 
Rio  Grande  Del  Norte  river  and  railroad  cross  this  township.  There  are  little 
valleys  and  small  mesas  on  which  the  land  is  very  rich,  and  produces  abundant 
crops  when  irrigated,  and  there  are  small  streams  where  water  can  be  im- 
pounded. Along  the  Rio  Grande  Del  Norte  river  there  is  a  narrow  valley, 
banked  by  rolling,  pinon  covered  hills.  The  vacant  lands  in  this  valley  are 
nearly  all  taken  up.  Value  of  other  lands,  $5  per  acre.  Elevation,  8,500  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  39  N.,  R.  4  E. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rough  and 
mountainous;  the  greater  portion  being  heavily  timbered  and  included  in  the 
Rio  Grande  national  forest.  There  is  some  mesa  land  that  is  rich  and  re- 
sponds to  irrigation  with  abundant  crops.  The  vacant  lands  are  all  suitable 
for  grazing,  covered  with  more  or  less  timber.  Well  watered.  Value,  $5  per 
acre.  A  railroad  runs  close  by  this  township.  Elevation,  8,500  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  20  inches. 

Township  40  N.,  R.  4  E. — The  valley  lands  along  the  river  are  excellent 
bottom  lands;  the  uplands  are  covered  with  good  grass  and  scattering  pinon. 
The  vacant  lands  comprise  a  very  attractive  country,  but  are  mostly  unsuited 
for  agriculture.  There  are  little  valleys  and  mesas  throughout  this  township 
that  are  very  rich  and  produce  abundant  crops  under  irrigation.  This  is  a 
good  stock  grazing  district.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  Elevation,  8,000  to  10,000 
feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  inches.    Crossed  by  railroad. 

Township  39  N.,  R.  5  E. — The  unappropriated  lands  in  this  township  are 
rough  and  mountainous,  covered  with  scrubby  timber  and  usually  suitable 
only  for  grazing  purposes.  Although  scattered  throughout,  there  is  con- 
siderable quantity  of  mesa  land  that  has  good  soil  and  produces  well  under 
irrigation.  Elevation,  8,000  to  10,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  inches.  Well 
watered.    Value,  $5  per  acre.    Distance  from  railroad,  two  miles. 


Rio  Grande  County 279 

Township  40  N.,  R.  5  E. — In  this  township  there  is  a  considerable  amount 
of  rich  mesa  land  that  will  yield  large  crops  under  irrigation  and  several  rich 
valleys.  The  Rio  Grande  Del  Norte  river  and  railroad  crosses  the  southern 
portion  of  this  township.  The  vacant  lands  are  in  the  northern  portion,  they 
are  mostly  in  the  foothills,  but  with  very  little  surface  water.  The  soil  is 
generally  good.  Value,  $5  to  $7  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 8,000  feet. 

Township  37  N.,  R.  6  E. — Throughout  this  township  there  are  little  val- 
leys which  are  very  rich.  The  greater  portion  of  this  district  is  included  in 
the  Rio  Grande  national  forest.  Only  a  small  fraction,  including  less  than 
six  square  miles,  is  vacant  in  the  northeastern  portion.  The  soil  is  good  and 
there  is  fine  grass.  Value,  $5  to  $6  per  acre.  Elevation,  8,500  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  inches.    Distance  from  a  railroad,  ten  miles. 

Township  38  N.,  R.  6  E. — This  township  is  unusual  for  its  good  soil,  good 
grass  and  fine  timber.  Along  the  bottom  lands  the  feed  is  exceedingly  good. 
The  timber  is  mostly  fine  pinon  and  cedar.  Throughout  there  are  small  val- 
leys and  mesas.  This  is  an  excellent  grazing  section.  Value,  $5  per  acre. 
Elevation,  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  inches.  Distance  from  railroad, 
three  miles. 

Township  39  N.,  R.  6  E. — This  township  is  principally  located  in  the  foot- 
hills. There  is  no  agricultural  land  excepting  along  Brown's  creek  and  a  little 
along  the  northern  boundary  of  the  township.  There  is  some  mesa  land  in 
this  district  that  is  very  rich.  The  rest  is  hilly  and  very  rocky.  There  are 
patches  of  pinon  well  scattered  along  the  hills.  Crossed  by  a  railroad.  Water 
for  irrigation  can  be  impounded  from  the  small  streams  which  run  through 
this  township.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  Elevation,  8,000  to  9,000  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  inches. 

Township  40  N.,  R.  6  E. — The  southern  and  eastern  portion  of  this  town- 
ship consists  of  fine  agricultural  lands  in  the  valley  of  the  Rio  Grande  Del 
Norte  river.  The  northwestern  corner  is  cut  up  by  short  mountain  ranges, 
forming  grazing  lands  of  fair  quality.  The  vacant  lands  are  mostly  rich 
mesas,  which  only  require  irrigation  to  produce  abundantly.  Del  Norte  is 
located  in  the  southwestern  corner  of  this  township.  A  good  market  and 
railroad  town.  This  township  is  crossed  by  a  railroad.  Elevation,  8,000  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  inches.    Value,  $5  per  acre. 

Township  37  N.,  R.  7  E. — Except  in  the  extreme  eastern  part  of  this  town- 
ship the  surface  is  generally  rough  and  broken.  It  is  lightly  timbered  with 
spruce,  aspen  and  cedar  timber,  containing  a  little  grass.  There  is  a  con- 
siderable quantity  of  level  rich  soil  susceptible  of  irrigation.  However,  some 
parts  are  open  and  gravelly,  with  second  rate  soil;  others  fair  grazing  land. 
Value,  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  inches.  Elevation,  8,000  to  9,000  feet. 
Distance  from  railroad,  seven  miles. 

Township  38  N.,  R.  7  E. — The  western  half  of  this  township  is  hilly  and 
mountainous  and  of  no  value  for  cultivation;  the  eastern  half  is  good  farm- 
ing land  and  quite  valuable.  There  is  a  considerable  quantity  of  rich,  fairly 
level  soil,  which  will  produce  heavily  under  irrigation.  Value  of  vacant  lands, 
$5  per  acre.  Elevation,  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  inches.  Distance  from 
railroad,  one  mile. 

Township  39  N.,  R.  7  E. — This  township  consists  principally  of  valley  land, 
crossed  by  the  railroad  and  Rio  Grande  Del  Norte  river.  The  vacant  lands 
are  in  the  hills  on  the  western  edge  and  are  principally  grazing  lands;  how- 
ever, there  is  some  vacant  lands  on  rich  mesas  which  are  fairly  level.  Value, 
$5  per  acre.    Elevation,  8,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  inches. 


ROUTT   COUNTY 

GLENWOOD   LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  325,694  Acres. 

Routt  county  is  located  in  the  northwestern  portion  of  Colorado,  adjoining 
the  Wyoming  state  line.  This  county  has  within  the  last  few  years  been 
reached  by  a  railroad.  Up  to  that  time  it  was  so  remote  from  transportation 
facilities  that  it  was  only  occupied  by  stockmen. 

This  district  is  well  watered  and  well  timbered,  with  a  considerable  area 
of  available  farm  land.  It  is  also  an  important  coal  mining  seciton,  having 
very  large  deposits  of  bituminous  and  some  anthracite  coal.  There  are  some 
mineral  indications  in  the  mountains  on  the  Great  Continental  Divide,  forming 
the  eastern  boundary  of  the  county. 

The  total  population  of  Routt  county  is  only  about  6,000,  of  which  1,500 
live  in  Steamboat  Springs,  the  county  seat.  This  is  a  new  country,  just  being 
developed,  and  certain  to  become  important  later. 

The  approximate  value  per  year  of  the  agricultural  products  is  as  follows : 

Wheat  and  other  grains $300,000.00 

Hay 500,000.00 

Potatoes  and  other  vegetables 76,000.00 

Township  1  S.,  R.  83  W.— This  township  is  well  watered  by  Rock  and 
Egeria  creeks  and  their  tributaries.  There  is  considerable  good  grazing  land 
and  some  good  bottom  lands  along  the  streams.  Timber  is  quite  plentiful 
throughout.  This  district  is  crossed  by  a  railroad.  Elevation,  7,000  to  9,000 
feet.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  1  N.,  R.  84  W. — This  township  is  mountainous  in  the  southern 
and  eastern  parts,  and  rolling  and  broken  in  the  northern  and  western  por- 
tions. There  are  some  bottom  lands  along  Toponas  and  Egeria  creeks.  The 
soil  is  sandy  and  second  rate.  This  is  a  good  grazing  district.  *•  Along  the 
southern  boundary,  the  surface  is  rocky  and  covered  with  pine,  spruce  and 
aspen  timber.  This  is  a  well  watered  district.  A  railroad  crosses  the  town- 
ship. Elevation,  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $5  to  $10 
per  acre. 

Township  2  N.,  R.  84  W.— This  township  is  all  included  in  the  Routt 
national  forest,  with  the  exception  of  a  small  area  in  the  southwestern  corner, 
where  the  railroad  crosses  it.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam  of  fair  quality.  This 
district  is  well  watered  by  several  good  streams.  The  timber  is  scattering  and 
not  very  good,  consisting  of  pine,  spruce,  fir,  aspen  and  cedars.  Elevation, 
8,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  4  N.,  R.  84  W. — This  township  contains  some  very  good  bottom 
lands  along  the  Bear  river,  but  most  of  the  surface  is  rough  and  mountainous. 
The  eastern  portion  is  included  in  the  Routt  national  forest,  and  is  very  pre- 
cipitious  and  covered  with  timber.  There  is  fair  grazing  in  the  hills.  Value, 
$5  to  $10  per  acre.  Elevation,  7,000  to  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  84  W. — There  are  good  farming  lands  along  the  bottom 
of  the  Bear  river.  The  western  portion  is  generally  dry,  rolling,  sage  brush 
land.    The  eastern  portion  is  mountainous  and  included  in  the  national  forest. 


KouTT  County  281 


Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.     Elevation,  7,000  feet.     Annual  rainfall,  20  to  26 
inches.    This  district  is  crossed  by  a  railroad. 

Township  6  N.,  R.  84  W. — Steamboat  Springs,  the  county  seat,  is  located 
in  this  township,  which  is  crossed  by  the  Bear  river  and  railroad.  The  eastern 
portion  is  mountainous  and  covered  with  timber.  There  are  fine  bottom  lands 
along  the  Bear  river  and  Walton  creek.  The  uplands  west  of  the  Bear  river 
also  contain  good  farming  land.  There  are  many  springs  in  this  township,  both 
hot  and  cold,  some  of  them  being  mineralized.  Elevation,  7,000  feet.  Value, 
$5  to  $10  per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches. 

Township  7  N.,  R.  84  W. — In  general  this  is  a  high,  mountainous  township. 
It  is  well  covered  with  timber.  There  is  some  good  grass  along  Soda  creek,  in 
the  southwestern  corner,  the  only  section  not  included  in  the  national  forest. 
Elevation,  7,500  feet.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25 
inches.    Three  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  1  S.,  R.  84  W. — This  is  rather  a  steep,  hilly  township,  just  north 
of  the  Grand  river.  It  is  well  watered  by  many  small  streams,  none  of  which 
have  bottom  lands  of  sufficient  width  for  farming.  A  railroad  crosses  a  corner 
of  this  township.  Elevation,  7,000  to  9,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  1  N.,  R.  85  W. — The  south  and  western  portions  are  mountain- 
ous, the  elevation  there  being  9,000  feet  and  above.  This  portion  is  covered 
with  a  good  growth  of  timber.  In  other  portions  along  Egeria  creek  there  are 
bottom  lands  of  fair  quality.  In  what  is  known  as  Egeria  park  is  a  good 
grazing  district.  Elevation,  8,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Located  one  mile  from  a  railroad.    Value,  $4  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  2  N.,  R.  85  W. — ^While  this  township  contains  some  first-class 
lands,  it  is  mostly  hilly  and  mountainous.  The  soil  along  Bear  river  is  fertile 
and  very  productive  when  irrigated.  The  hilly  portion  is  well  covered  with  an 
excellent  growth  of  short  grass.  The  eastern  and  southwestern  portions  are 
quite  mountainous  and  well  watered,  being  a  naturally  good  grazing  district. 
A  railroad  crosses  this  section.  Elevation,  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15 
inches.    Value,  $4  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  85  W.— Where  the  land  is  level  enough  to  permit  its 
being  farmed,  excellent  crops  are  raised,  as  the  soil  is  deep  and  fertile.  The 
township  is  generally  broken  by  hills  and  mesas.  East  of  the  river,  there  is 
some  good  timber,  and  west  of  the  river  the  timber  is  stunted.  There  is  plenty 
of  water  for  irrigation.  The  township  is  crossed  by  a  railroad.  Value,  $5  to 
$10  per  acre.    Elevation,  8,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 

Township  4  N.,  R.  85  W. — This  is  a  mountainous  township,  naturally 
covered  with  timber  and  brush.  There  is  a  very  narrow  valley  along  which 
Bear  river  and  a  railroad  runs.  The  township  is  well  watered  by  numerous 
streams.  It  is  a  fair  grazing  district.  Coal  mines  are  located  here.  Elevation, 
8,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  85  W. — This  township  is  composed  principally  of  hilly 
land,  covered  with  good  grass  and  well  watered.  There  is  considerable  bottom 
land  of  good  quality.  Elevation,  7,000  to  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  20 
inches.    A  railroad  crosses  this  district.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  6  N.,  R.  85  W. — This  township  is  underlaid  with  coal  deposits. 
Bear  river  and  a  railroad  crosses  the  northern  portion.  The  soil  is  a  clay  loam, 
on  a  rocky  subsoil.  There  is  no  timber,  but  an  undergrowth  of  oak,  sage  and 
service  brush.    This  land  is  suitable  for  farming,  both  with  and  without  irri- 


282  EouTT  County 


fation.    Elevation,  7,000  to  8,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  20  inches.    Value,  $6  to 
10  per  acre. 

Township  7  N.,  R.  85  W. — This  township  is  located  just  north  of  the  Bear 
river,  and  is  crossed  by  the  Big  Elk  river,  the  bottoms  of  which  are  fine,  wide, 
level  agricultural  lands.  Some  of  the  bench  lands  adjoining  the  river  are  suit- 
able for  irrigation.  A  small  portion  of  the  area  is  mountainous,  containing 
little  timber.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Elevation,  7,000  feet.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 20  to  25  inches.    Located  one  mile  from  a  railroad. 

Township  8  N.,  R.  85  W. — This  township  is  generally  hilly.  It  is  abund- 
antly watered  by  two  large  streams  and  numerous  tributaries.  This  district 
is  well  timbered,  and  contains  considerable  agricultural  and  pasture  lands. 
Elevation,  7,000  to  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.  Located  seven 
miles  from  a  railroad.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  9  N.,  R.  85  W. — All  of  this  township  is  considered  as  fine  pasture 
land,  and  a  considerable  portion  of  it  is  good  bottom  land,  lying  along  the 
streams.  This  is  a  well  watered  township.  Elevation,  7,500  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.  Most  of  this  township  is  included  in  the  Routt 
national  forest.  Located  twelve  miles  from  a  railroad.  Value,  $5  to  $10 
per  acre. 

Township  1  S.,  R.  85  W. — This  township  raises  gradually  from  the  Grand 
river  on  the  south  to  an  elevation  of  9,000  feet  in  the  northern  portion.  There 
is  good  soil  along  Sunshine  creek.  The  greater  portion  of  the  township  consists 
of  good  grazing  lands.  The  northern  portion  is  heavily  timbered.  This  section 
is  well  watered  by  small  creeks  and  brooks.  Located  five  miles  from  a  rail- 
road.   Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  86  W. — A  mountainous  township.  There  are  massive 
coal  bearing  strata  of  sandstone  throughout,  which  are  exposed  by  erosion 
along  the  deeper  canons.  This  district  is  well  watered  by  numerous  creeks. 
The  soil  of  the  valleys  and  first  benches  is  generally  alluvial  and  quite  exten- 
sively cultivated.  With  irrigation,  good  crops  of  hay  and  garden  truck  can  be 
raised.  There  is  a  considerable  growth  of  pine  and  spruce  timber  of  commercial 
size  in  the  extreme  southwestern  portion,  which  is  included  in  the  White  River 
national  forest.  A  dense  growth  of  aspen,  small  pine,  spruce,  oak,  service 
brush  and  cherry  is  quite  general  in  other  portions.  The  grass  is  excellent. 
Elevation,  7,000  to  9,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Located  three 
miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  4  N.,  R.  86  W. — This  is  mostly  a  hilly  and  mountainous  town- 
ship. The  southern  portion  consists  of  high,  sharp,  broken  divides  between 
Little  Trout  creek  and  its  tributaries.  There  is  some  coal  bearing  sandstone 
exposed.  There  is  a  narrow  valley  along  Middle  creek,  and  a  fairly  large 
valley  along  Trout  creek,  which  is  irrigated  and  cultivated,  but  as  a  rule  the 
water  courses  are  very  narrow  and  the  valleys  of  no  agricultural  value.  There 
is  a  considerable  growth  of  young  pine  and  spruce  in  the  southern  portion,  but 
no  timber  of  commercial  value.  A  dense  covering  of  oak,  service  brush,  cherry 
and  aspen  is  general  throughout,  and  a  heavy  growth  of  brakes,  ferns  and 
common  weeds  are  general  in  protected  spots.  Elevation,  7,500  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Located  one  mile  from  a  railroad.  Value,  $5  to  $10 
per  acre. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  86  W. — Twenty  Mile  Park  occupies  the  central  part  of 
this  township,  being  surrounded  with  rough  hills  and  mesas  on  the  south  and 
eastern  sides.  The  rougher  portions  are  covered  with  a  dense  growth  of  oak, 
sage  and  service  brush,  with  here  and  there  groves  of  young  aspens.     The 


\ 


EouTT  County  288 


rolling  mesas  and  gentle  slopes  have  a  dense  growth  of  sage  brush.  This  is  a 
good  grazing  section.  The  soil  is  mostly  a  dark  clay  loam,  and  offers  excellent 
opportunities  for  dry  farming.  There  are  good  meadows  along  the  streams. 
This  township  is  generally  underlaid  with  coal  deposits.  Elevation,  7,000  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Located  one  mile  from  a  railroad.  Value,  $5 
to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  6  N.,  R.  86  W. — The  surface  consists  of  rolling  mesas  and  valleys 
along  Bear  river.  On  the  mesas  the  soil  is  a  clay  loam,  four  to  ten  inches  deep, 
while  in  the  river  valley  it  is  a  sandy  clay  loam,  eighteen  to  twenty-four 
inches  deep.  There  is  no  timber  in  this  district  but  an  undergrowth  of  sage 
brush  and  grass.  The  surface  is  generally  suited  to  grazing  and  farming. 
Practically  the  entire  township  is  underlaid  with  coal  deposits.  Value,  $5  to 
$10  per  acre.  This  district  is  crossed  by  a  railroad.  Elevation,  7,000  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  inches. 

Township  7  N.,  R.  86  W. — There  is  scarcely  any  agricultural  land  in  this 
township,  but  there  is  a  little  stock  grazing  land.  The  western  portion  is 
almost  entirely  covered  with  fine  spruce  and  pine  timber.  There  is  a  petroleum 
spring  in  this  township.  Elevation,  7,000  to  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to 
20  inches.    Located  three  miles  from  a  railroad.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  8  N.,  R.  86  W. — The  southern  portion  lies  along  Deep  creek,  and 
contains  some  good  agricultural  land.  The  other  portions  are  grazing  lands. 
This  township  is  generally  well  watered  and  has  a  good  growth  of  timber. 
Elevation,  7,000  to  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Located  ten 
miles  from  a  railroad.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  9  N.,  R.  86  W. — This  township  is  extremely  mountainous  in 
character,  and  not  useful  except  as  grazing  land.  Some  good  timber  is 
scattered  through  the  southwestern  portion.  This  district  is  nearly  all  included 
in  the  Routt  national  forest.  Located  fifteen  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation, 
8,500  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  12  N.,  R.  86  W. — There  is  considerable  good  grazing  land,  and 
much  good  agricultural  land  in  this  township,  which  lies  on  the  extreme  north- 
ern boundary  of  the  State,  at  the  headwaters  of  the  Little  Snake  river.  Over 
a  large  part  there  is  a  magnificent  growth  of  fine  timber.  Elevation,  7,000  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Located  thirty-five 
miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  4  N.,  R.  87  W. — This  township  embraces  a  portion  of  the  Wil- 
liams Park.  The  eastern  portion  is  cut  by  deep  gulches,  which  carry  a  little 
water.  This  township  is  well  adapted  to  grazing.  There  is  not  much  timber 
in  the  township,  and  what  there  is  is  small  and  grows  on  the  ridges.  The 
western  portion  is  well  settled.  Elevation,  7,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to 
20  inches.    Located  ten  miles  from  a  railroad.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  87  W. — In  general  this  township  is  rough,  hilly  and 
mountainous,  but  opens  out  into  a  rolling  mesa  in  sections  4,  5  and  6,  and  into 
gently  rolling  park  lands  in  the  southeastern  quarter.  The  hilly  portion  is 
covered  with  brush  and  some  groves  of  pine  and  aspen  timber.  The  low,  roll- 
ing portion,  has  a  growth  of  short  sage  brush.  There  is  good  grass  in  the 
valleys  and  on  most  of  the  hill  sides.  Natural  meadow  lands  are  to  be  found 
along  some  of  the  creeks.  Many  of  the  hill  sides  in  the  rougher  portion  are 
composed  of  rich  clay  loam,  and  the  soil  is  suitable  for  farming.  Value,  $5  to 
$10  per  acre.  Located  four  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  6,500  to  7,000 
feet.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 

Township  6  N.,  R.  87  W. — This  township  is  crossed  by  the  Bear  river  and 
a  railroad.    It  is  composed  of  bottom  lands,  in  which  the  soil  is  a  sandy  loam, 


284  EouTT  County 


averaging  about  twenty- four  inches  deep,  and  hilly  lands  and  mesas,  with  a 
stiff  clay  loam.  There  is  considerable  farming,  both  dry  and  by  irrigation, 
being  carried  on  in  the  western  portion.  A  fair  crop  of  small  grains,  such  as 
wheat,  oats  and  rye,  are  produced  in  this  district.  Practically  the  entire  town- 
ship is  underlaid  with  coal  deposits.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall, 
15  to  20  inches.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  7  N.,  R.  87  W. — Bear  river  valley,  in  the  southwestern  corner,  is 
prairie  land.  The  eastern  half  is  mountainous,  containing  a  large  body  of  good 
timber.  The  western  portion  is  high  and  rolling,  or  hilly,  and  is  covered  with 
sage  and  oak  brush.  There  is  good  grass  in  the  hills.  This  township  lies  in 
the  coal  belt.  Elevation,  7,000  to  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.    Two  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  8  N.,  R.  87  W. — This  township  is  well  watered  in  all  parts  by 
numerous  small  streams,  and,  although  it  would  be  termed  mountainous,  yet 
it  contains  a  large  amount  of  pasture  land  and  some  fine  farm  land,  as  well 
as  a  good  supply  of  first-class  timber.  Located  in  the  coal  belt.  Value,  $5  to 
$10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Located  six  miles  from  a 
railroad.    Elevation,  7,000  to  8,000  feet. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  87  W. — This  is  a  very  attractive  township.  Some  por- 
tions are  quite  mountainous,  but  the  balance  is  rolling,  hilly  land,  with  a  fine 
valley  along  the  South  Fork  of  the  Little  Snake  river  and  Slaters  Fork.  Ele- 
vation, 7,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 
Located  twenty-five  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  12  N.,  R.  87  W. — Along  the  valley  of  Little  Snake  river  there  is 
very  good  grazing  and  farming  lands.  A  considerable  portion  of  it  is  already 
under  cultivation.  This  is  generally  a  well  watered  district.  Outside  of  the 
level  valley,  the  hills  contain  good  grass.  There  is  also  plenty  of  timber. 
Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Elevation,  7,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20 
inches.    Located  thirty  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  88  W. — Williams  Fork  river,  which  crosses  this  town- 
ship in  a  diagonal  direction,  is  the  only  stream  of  considerable  size.  This  is  a 
cold,  clear  mountain  stream,  abounding  with  trout  and  other  fish.  There  is  a 
sonsiderable  amount  of  heavy  pine  timber  on  the  mountains.  The  surface  is 
generally  broken,  and  those  portions  not  covered  by  heavy  pine  forests  have 
dense  growths  of  oak  brush  and  wild  cherry.  The  soil  along  the  streams  and 
on  the  mesas  is  well  adapted  to  agriculture.  Although  this  township  is  high 
in  altitude,  oats,  wheat  and  all  kinds  of  vegetables  do  well  and  mature  in  good 
season.  Elevation,  7,500  to  9,000  feet.  Located  fifteen  miles  from  a  railroad. 
Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  4  N.,  R.  88  W. — There  are  good  bottom  lands  and  hay  meadows 
along  Williams  Fork  and  along  some  of  the  creeks.  Some  parts  are  very  rocky 
and  precipitious,  especially  in  the  northern  portion.  A  growth  of  oak  brush  is 
quite  general,  and  there  is  some  timber  in  the  township.  This  district  is  well 
watered  and  covered  with  a  good  growth  of  grass.  Located  ten  miles  from  a 
railroad.  Elevation,  7,000  to  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  88  W. — This  is  a  hilly  and  mountainous  township  on  the 
divide  between  the  Williams  Fork  and  Bear  river,  opening  out  into  gently  roll- 
ing mesas  in  sections  5,  6,  7,  8  and  18.  Many  of  the  hillsides  in  the  mountain- 
ous portion  are  composed  of  rich  clay  loam  soil,  suited  to  dry  farming.  There 
is  considerable  brush  and  some  timber.  There  is  a  good  growth  of  grass  in  the 
valleys  and  on  most  of  the  hillsides.    The  creeks  may  be  utilized  for  irrigation 


EouTT  County  285 


purposes  during  the  rainy  season,  and  by  storing  water  in  flood  periods.  Prac- 
tically the  entire  township  is  underlaid  with  good  coal  deposits.  Elevation, 
7,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Located 
five  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  6  N.,  R.  88  W. — Hayden  mesa  occupies  most  of  this  township. 
It  is  mountainous  in  the  southeastern  corner,  and  covered  with  a  dense  under- 
growth of  brush.  The  uncultivated  portions  of  the  mesa  and  valley  lands  are 
covered  with  a  dense  brush  also..  Grass  throughout  the  township  is  of  a  good 
quality.  The  soil  is  principally  a  clay  loam,  ranging  from  four  to  twelve 
inches,  on  a  clay  subsoil.  Along  the  Bear  river  the  soil  is  sandy  loam  in 
character.  Practically  the  entire  township  is  underlaid  with  coal.  This  dis- 
trict is  crossed  by  a  railroad.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20 
inches.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  7  N.,  R.  88  W. — In  general  this  township  is  hilly,  but  easily 
accessible.  This  is  a  fine  grazing  country.  There  are  some  agricultural  lands 
throughout  the  district.  The  Bear  river  and  railroad  cross  along  the  southern 
boundary.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Value,  $5 
to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  8  N.,  R.  88  W. — Although  hilly,  this  township  is  well  watered 
and  contains  a  profuse  growth  of  vegetation.  The  bottom  lands  along  Elk 
creek  are  broad  and  fertile.  Considerable  hay  and  produce  raised  in  the  valleys. 
This  township  is  in  the  coal  belt.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15 
to  20  inches.    Located  six  miles  from  a  railroad.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  9  N.,  R.  88  W. — This  township  is  mostly  mountainous,  and  all 
included  in  the  Routt  national  forest,  except  a  small  strip  on  the  southeastern 
portion,  lying  along  the  Elk  Head  creek  and  consisting  of  an  excellent  valley. 
Numerous  farms  and  ranches  are  located  in  this  valley.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per 
acre.    Located  fifteen  miles  from  a  railroad.    Elevation,  6,500  feet. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  88  W. — The  southern  portion  of  this  township  is  very 
mountainous  in  character,  though  well  watered  and  timbered,  with  a  good 
natural  growth  of  grass.  Along  Slater  creek,  which  is  a  stream  of  good  size, 
lies  some  nice  valley  land.  Located  twenty-five  miles  from  a  railroad.  Eleva- 
tion, 7,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  12  N.,  R.  88  W. — The  northern  portion,  along  Little  Snake  river, 
is  a  very  fertile  and  well  watered  valley,  with  excellent  soil.  While  the  south- 
ern portion  is  hilly,  it  is  excellent  grazing  land,  being  well  watered.  This  por- 
tion contains  some  timber.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Located  thirty  miles 
from  a  railroad.    Elevation,  6,500  feet. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  89  W. — The  surface  is  generally  mountainous,  with 
several  ridges  of  sandstone  rock  crossing  the  western  part.  There  is  very  little 
land  suitable  for  agriculture.  This  is  a  good  grazing  district.  Elevation,  8,000 
feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre.  Located 
fifteen  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  4  N.,  R.  89  W. — This  township  is  crossed  by  Williams  Fork  river. 
There  is  good  meadow  and  pasture  land  to  be  found  along  all  the  creeks,  as 
well  as  along  the  river  bottoms.  On  the  surrounding  hills,  oak,  sage  and  ser- 
vice brush  is  the  prevailing  vegetation,  with  a  good  stand  of  grass  everywhere. 
This  township  is  well  watered.  Elevation,  7,0^0  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to 
20  inches.    Located  ten  miles  from  a  railroad.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  89  W. — This  township  is  located  on  the  low  divide, 
between  Williams  Fork  and  Bear  rivers,  and  ia  covered  with  oak  and  aspen 


286  Routt  County 


brush,  with  frequent  openings  in  which  grass  is  found.  .  The  surface  is  gen- 
erally hilly  and  rolling,  and  is  not  very  desirable.  This  township  is  underlaid 
with  coal.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Located  five  miles  from  a  railroad. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Elevation,  7,000  feet. 

Township  6  N.,  R.  89  W. — The  Bear  river  and  a  railroad  cross  the  northern 
portion.  There  are  good  valley  lands  along  the  river,  and  rolling,  sagebrush 
land  on  the  south,  dry  and  broken  in  character,  and  best  suited  for  pasturage 
purposes.  There  are  some  coal  deposits.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Elevation,  6,500  feet. 

Township  7  N.,  R.  89  W. — Along  Elk  creek  there  is  rich,  sandy  loam  soil, 
and  some  adobe  which  is  generally  moist,  but  requires  irrigation.  The  depth 
is  from  six  to  eighteen  inches,  witli  a  clay  subsoil.  When  irrigated,  good  crops 
of  wheat  and  oats  can  be  raised.  Outside  of  the  level  valleys  there  are  tracts 
of  from  10  to  200  acres  of  first-class  mesa  lands.  These  should  have  water  for 
irrigation,  but  can  be  cultivated  without.  A  growth  of  sagebrush  is  quite 
general.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $5  to 
$10  per  acre.    Crossed  by  a  railroad. 


SAGUACHE   COUNTY 

DEL  NORTE  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  326,756  Acres. 

MONTROSE  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  347,262  Acres. 

PUEBLO  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  20,961  Acres. 

Saguache  county,  pronounced  Sa-wash,  is  located  in  the  south-central 
portion  of  Colorado.  This  county  includes  the  northern  portion  of  the  San 
Luis  valley,  and  is  bounded  on  the  east  by  the  Upper  Sangre  de  Cristo  range 
and  crossed  on  the  west  by  the  Cochetopa  range  of  the  Great  Continental 
divide.  A  large  portion  of  the  county  is  timbered  and  included  in  the  national 
forests. 

Saguache  county  is  very  sparsely  settled.  The  total  population  being 
only  a  little  over  4,000,  of  which  about  750  live  in  the  town  of  Saguache,  the 
county  seat. 

There  is  a  considerable  area  of  irrigated  lands  in  the  county  producing 
grains,  potatoes,  etc. 

The  Continental  divide  is  comparatively  low  where  it  crosses  the  county 
and  on  the  foothills  on  either  side  there  are  many  opening  for  the  settler  in 
the  valleys  that  line  the  streams. 

The  approximate  value  per  year  of  the  agricultural  products  of  this  county 
is  as  follows: 

Wheat  and  other  grains $400,000.00 

Hay  and  forage  crops 300,000.00 

Potatoes  and  corn 50,000.00 

DEL  NORTE  LAND  DISTRICT. 

Township  41  N.,  R.  4  E. — The  valley  land  along  the  creeks  in  this  town- 
ship were  settled  as  early  as  1880.  The  rest  of  the  township  is  covered  with 
luxurious  bunch  grass  and  is  excellent  grazing  land.  Elevation,  8,500  to  10,000 
feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  five  miles.  Value,  $5  to  $7  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  inches.    Elevation,  8,500  feet. 

Township  44  N.,  R.  4  E. — All  of  this  township  is  included  in  the  Cochetopa 
national  forest,  with  the  exception  of  a  park  three  by  four  miles  in  the  north- 
western corner.  The  surface  of  this  park  is  rolling  and  affords  good  grazing. 
The  surrounding  part  is  timbered  mountains.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 
Distance  from  railroad,  twenty  miles.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 8,500  feet. 

Township  45  N.,  R.  4  E. — All  of  the  western  portion  of  this  township  is 
included  in  the  Cochetopa  national  forest.  In  the  eastern  part  there  is  con- 
siderable fine  pasture  lands,  with  some  valuable  timber.  There  are  also  some 
natural  meadows.  Very  good  stock  country,  but  elevation  is  too  high  for 
farming.  Elevation,  8,500  to  10,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Distance  from  railroad,  fifteen  miles. 

Township  41  N.,  R.  5  E. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rather  hilly  and 
mountainous,  principally  foothills.  Good  grass  along  the  streams  and  in  the 
open  valleys.    Timber,  pine  and  spruce  with  scattering  cedar.    Elevation,  8,000 


288  Saguache  County 


to  10,000  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  five  miles.    Value,  $6  per  acre.    Annual 
rainfall,  6  to  10  inches. 

Township  42  N.,  R.  5  E. — This  township  is  generally  very  rough  and  only 
fit  for  grazing;  but  there  are  a  few  spots  along  the  streams  that  might  be 
tilled.  Timber,  spruce  and  hemlock  that  are  valuable  for  lumber.  Distance  from 
railroad,  twelve  miles.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.    Elevation,  8,500  to  10,000  feet. 

Township  44  N.,  R.  5  E. — Sections  6  and  7  are  the  only  portions  not  in- 
cluded in  the  Cochetopa  national  forest.  The  surface  is  rather  rough  and  not 
suitable  for  cultivation.  There  is  a  scattered  growth  of  timber  throughout. 
The  grass  is  fair.  Water  is  quite  plentiful.  Distance  from  railroad,  ten 
miles.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 9,000  feet. 

Township  45  N.,  R.  5  E. — The  valleys  in  this  township  are  fertile  and  well 
watered.  North  of  the  Saguache  river  the  hills  are  open  and  rolling,  aflford- 
ing  excellent  grazing,  but  of  no  value  for  any  other  purpose;  south  of  the 
river  the  hills  are  more  broken  and  covered  with  a  scattered  growth  of  fir  and 

Sine  timber.     Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.     Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches 
llevation,  8,300  to  9,300  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  twelve  miles. 

Township  46  N.,  R.  5  E. — This  township  would  be  classified  as  mountain- 
ous grazing  land.  There  is  some  good  timber  and  good  grass  along  the 
streams.  Located  six  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  9,000  to  10,000  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  41  N.,  R.  6  E. — There  are  some  fine  mesas  in  this  township,  with 
rich  land  susceptible  of  irrigation;  the  balance  is  composed  of  hills  and  high 
prairies,  which  are  sandy  and  barren.  There  is  a  warm  sulphur  spring  in  sec- 
tion 33.  A  little  poor  timber  is  scattered  over  the  surface.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5 
per  acre.  Distance  from  a  railroad,  four  miles.  Elevation,  8,000  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  under  10  inches. 

Township  42  N.,  R.  6  E. — In  this  township  are  to  be  found  rich  mesas  that 
respond  to  irrigation,  and  there  is  water  in  Carnero  creek  that  only  requires 
storing  to  be  sufficient  for  all  this  land.  The  mountain  sides  afford  good  graz- 
ing. There  is  a  small  amount  of  good  timber  in  section  5.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5 
?er  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  inches.  Elevation,  8,000  to  10,500  feet.  Distance 
rom  railroad,  ten  miles. 

Township  43  N.,  R.  6  E. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  generally  moun- 
tainous, but  contains  some  good  mesa  land.  The  central  portion  contains 
good  grazing  land,  and  is  watered  by  several  streams.  The  northwestern  por- 
tion is  covered  with  a  heavy  growth  of  timber  and  is  included  in  the 
Cochetopa  national  forest.  The  southern  and  eastern  portions  of  the  town- 
ship lie  in  the  foothills  and  are  covered  principally  with  scrub  pine  and 
greasewood.  It  is  cut  by  gulches  and  most  suitable  for  grazing.  Value,  $3.50 
to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  9,000  to  10,500 
feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  twenty  miles. 

Township  44  N.,  R.  6  E. — The  southwestern  portion  of  this  township  is 
very  mountainous  and  is  included  in  the  Cochetopa  national  forest.  The  rest 
of  the  township  is  principally  on  high  table  land,  covered  with  large  boulders; 
there  is  some  good  mesa  land  in  portions.  A  scattering  growth  of  timber  is 
in  evidence.  Grazing  is  good  along  the  creeks.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Eleva- 
tion, 9,000  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  eighteen  miles.  Annual  rainfall,  10 
to  15  inches. 


Saguache  County  289 


Township  45  N.,  R.  6  E. — The  valleys  along  the  streams  in  this  township 
are  narrow,  well  watered  and  fertile.  The  remainder  of  the  land  is  rough, 
broken  table  land,  with  a  thin  covering  of  soil  and  a  little  scrubby  timber. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Elevation,  8,000  to  9,000  feet.  Distance  from 
railroad,  twelve  miles.    Annual  rainfall,  15  inches. 

Township  46  N.,  R.  6  E. — This  township  lies  in  a  mountainous  region. 
There  is  some  valuable  timber  throughout.  The  small  valleys  have  very  rich 
soil  and  contain  some  good  hay  lands.  Distance  from  railroad,  six  miles. 
Elevation,  8,500  to  11,000  feet.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall, 
10  to  15  inches. 

Township  42  N.,  R.  7  E. — This  township  is  on  the  extreme  western  edge 
of  the  San  Luis  valley.  It  is  fine,  level,  agricultural  land,  with  the  exception 
of  the  extreme  northwestern  corner,  which  is  located  in  the  foothills.  Value, 
$5  to  $7  per  acre.  Distance  from  railroad,  thirteen  miles.  Elevation,  8,000 
feet.    Annual  rainfall,  5  to  10  inches. 

Township  43  N.,  R.  7  E. — The  eastern  part  of  this  township  is  a  rich  mesa 
and  contains  excellent  agricultural  land,  which  can  be  irrigated  by  storing  the 
water  from  the  Saguache  river.  The  western  portion  is  made  up  of  low  hills 
covered  with  a  scant  growth  of  pinon  of  not  much  value.  This  is  a  very  dry 
district  with  poor  grass.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Distance  from  railroad, 
twelve  miles.    Elevation,  8,000  to  9,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  5  to  10  inches. 

Township  44  N.,  R.  7  E. — The  western  portion  of  this  township  is  in  the 
foothills  and  could  be  considered  as  second  rate  grazing  land.  Value,  $3.50  per 
acre.  In  the  southeastern  portion  there  is  some  land  that  lies  better,  being 
principally  rich  mesa  land.  Value,  $5  to  $7  per  acre.  The  town  of  Saguache 
IS  located  in  the  northeastern  corner  and  is  the  county  seat  of  Saguache 
county.  Elevation,  8,000  to  10,000  feet.  Located  ten  miles  from  a  railroad. 
This  township  is  crossed  by  the  Saguache  river.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to 
15  inches. 

Township  45  N.,  R.  7  E. — The  only  good  land  in  this  township  is  the  bot- 
tom land  along  the  Saguache  river.  The  high  prairie,  between  this  and  the 
base  of  the  mountains,  is  gravelly  and  poor.  Most  of  the  timber  in  the 
mountains  is  pinon  and  cedar,  with  a  sprinkling  of  pine  in  the  northern  part 
and  patches  of  spruce  on  some  of  the  hillsides.  The  vacant  lands  are  prac- 
tically all  grazing  land.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Elevation,  8,000  to  10,000 
feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    IDistance  from  railroad,  twelve  miles. 

Township  46  N.,  R.  7  E. — Most  of  this  township  is  included  in  the  Coche- 
topa  national  forest.  There  are  natural  meadows  along  the  small  streams. 
Owing  to  the  extreme  high  elevation  of  9,000  to  12,000  feet,  this  township  is 
only  good  for  summer  grazing.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to 
15  inches.    Distance  from  railroad,  ten  miles. 

Township  47  N.,  R.  7  E. — This  township  is  nearly  all  in  the  forest  re- 
serve, where  there  is  fine  timber  and  good  grazing,  and  many  fine  streams. 
The  vacant  lands  can  be  classified  as  grazing  lands.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5 
per  acre.  Located  six  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  9,000  to  13,000  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 

Township  48  N.,  R.  7  E. — This  township  is  high  up  on  the  crest  of  the 
Continental  divide  and  is  all  included  in  the  Cochetopa  national  forest,  with 
the  exception  of  section  1,  which  would  be  classified  as  poor  grazing  land. 
Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Elevation,  9,000  to  14,000  feet.  Crossed  by  a  railroad. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 


290  Saguache  County 


Township  43  N.,  R.  8  E. — This  township  lies  in  the  San  Luis  valley.  It  is 
flat  and  practically  level.  A  portion  consists  of  low  rich  lands.  Fine  hay  and 
grass  can  be  raised  on  this  land.  The  remainder  is  excellent  agricultural  land. 
The  grass  is  good  throughout  the  district.  Value,  $3.50  to  $7.50  per  acre. 
Elevation,  8,000  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  seven  miles.  Annual  rainfall, 
5  to  10  inches. 

Township  45  N.,  R.  8  E. — The  northern  portion  of  this  township  is  located 
in  the  Cochetopa  national  forest.  This  district  contains  some  rich  mesa  lands. 
The  vacant  lands  lie  in  the  foothills  and  can  be  classed  as  grazing  lands.  Eleva- 
tion, 8,000  to  10,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to 
$5  per  acre.    Distance  from  railroad,  six  miles. 

Township  46  N.,  R.  8  E. — This  township  is  partially  in  the  foothills  and 
partially  mountainous,  with  rich  mesas,  having  fine  slopes.  In  the  foothills 
the  grazing  is  excellent.  In  the  mountains  the  timber  is  mostly  dead,  al- 
though a  limited  amount  of  fir  remains,  while  there  is  an  abundant  growth  of 
Einon.  The  lower  hills  are  bare  of  timber,  but  covered  with  a  rich  growth  of 
unch  grass.  There  is  no  surface  water  in  this  district.  This  land  can  only 
be  classified  as  grazing  land.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Elevation,  8,000 
to  11,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10.  to  15  inches.  Distance  from  railroad,  four 
miles. 

Township  47  N.,  R.  8  E. — This  township  is  made  up  of  open  prairie  land, 
with  a  rich  mesa  having  a  fine  slope.  The  pasturage  is  excellent  in  this  dis- 
trict. The  rolling  ridges  are  timbered  for  the  most  part  with  a  young  growth 
of  spruce.  The  western  portion  is  all  included  in  the  Cochetopa  national 
forest.  A  railroad  crosses  a  corner  of  the  township.  Elevation,  8,000  to 
10,000  feet.     Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Value,  $5  to  $7  per  acre. 

Township  48  N.,  R.  8  E. — The  central  and  southern  portions  of  this  town- 
ship are  rolling  prairies,  covered  with  the  best  grass.  The  remaining  portion 
is  mountainous  and  timbered.  The  elevation  is  too  high  for  farming,  being 
from  8,000  to  11,000  feet.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  This  township  is  crossed 
by  railroad.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 

Township  42  N.,  R.  9  E. — This  township  is  composed  of  sage  brush  prairie 
land,  in  the  center  of  the  San  Luis  valley.  The  surface  is  flat  and  level.  The 
soil  is  clay  and  sandy  with  alkaline  streaks.  There  is  a  rich  growth  of 
gramma  grass.  Artesian  water  can  be  found  by  digging  to  a  depth  of  150  to 
400  feet.  Value,  $10  per  acre.  Distance  from  railroad,  four  miles.  Annual 
rainfall,  5  to  10  inches.    Elevation,  8,000  feet. 

Township  43  N.,  R.  9  E. — The  surface  is  level  prairie  land;  the  soil  varies 
from  first-class  to  second  rate.  Fine  artesian  water  is  found  throughout  this 
township.  There  is  an  abundant  growth  of  grass  in  this  section.  Value,  $10 
to  $15  per  acre.  Distance  from  railroad,  one  mile.  Elevation,  8,000  feet.  An- 
nual rainfall,  5  to  10  inches. 

Township  44  N.,  R.  9  W. — This  township  is  located  on  the  extreme  edge 
of  the  San  Luis  valley.  The  soil  is  very  alkaline.  There  is  no  water  in  this 
section.  The  farming  belt  is  located  outside  of  this  district.  A  railroad 
touches  a  portion  of  the  township.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  Elevation,  8,000  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  5  to  10  inches. 

Township  45  N.,  R.  9  W. — This  township  is  at  the  extreme  northern  edge 
of  the  San  Luis  valley.  The  soil  is  generally  excellent,  but  it  is  impossible  to 
obtain  water  for  irrigation.  There  is  a  fine  rich  mesa  in  this  district.  The 
northwestern  portion  of  the  township  is  in  the  foothills  and  can  be  classed  as 


Saguache  County  291 


grazing  land.    Elevation,  8,000  to  9,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Value,  $5  to  $9  per  acre.    This  section  is  crossed  by  railroad. 

Township  46  N.,  R.  9  E. — This  township  is  located  on  the  extreme  northern 
edge  of  the  San  Luis  valley  and  contains  a  large  amount  of  excellent  agricul- 
tural lands.  There  is  a  limited  amount  of  fir  and  spruce  timber  in  the  south- 
ern portion.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 8,000  to  9,000  feet. 

Township  47  N.,  R.  9  E. — This  township  comprises  considerable  fair  land, 
especially  suited  for  grazing  and  hay.  There  are  fine  sloping  lands  in  this 
district  that  are  very  rich,  and  capable  of  raising  anything.  The  high  lands 
are  covered  with  short,  fine  grass,  making  a  good  winter  pasture.  The  moun- 
tains in  the  northeastern  corner  are  very  high  and  rugged.  San  Luis  creek 
is  a  famous  trout  stream  and  flows  through  this  section.  Elevation,  8,000  to 
11,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  20  inches.  Value,  $5  to  $12  per  acre.  Crossed 
by  railroad. 

Township  42  N.,  R.  10  E. — This  township  is  located  in  the  heart  of  the 
San  Luis  valley.  The  surface  is  flat  and  level.  It  is  comparatively  well 
watered,  but  destitute  of  timber  and  stone.  There  is  some  good  grass  in  this 
district.  Artesian  water  is  found  here.  Value,  $5  to  $12  per  acre.  Elevation, 
8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  under  10  inches.  This  township  is  crossed  by  rail- 
road.   Value,  $15  per  acre. 

Township  43  N.,  R.  10  E. — This  township  consists  of  a  level,  sandy  and 
treeless  plain  in  the  heart  of  the  San  Luis  valley.  Water  sinks  rapidly  and 
streams  disappear  so  that  farming  cannot  be  successfully  carried  on  so  long 
as  irrigation  of  crops  is  necessary.  There  is  plenty  of  water  found  at  depths 
of  from  ten  to  twenty-five  feet.  Artesian  water  is  very  plentiful  throughout 
this  district.  The  grass  is  good  and  sage  brush  averages  two  to  three  feet 
high.  There  is  some  alkali  in  the  soil.  Value,  $5  to  $12.50  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  5  to  10  inches.    Crossed  by  railroad.    Elevation,  8,000  feet. 

Township  45  N.,  R.  10  E. — This  township  lies  in  the  extreme  northern 
edge  of  the  San  Luis  valley  and  is  crossed  by  the  San  Luis  creek  and  touched 
on  the  west  by  railroad.  The  eastern  portion  lies  in  the  foothills  and  is  only 
suitable  for  grazing.  In  general  the  land  is  quite  rich  and  well  watered. 
Value,  $5  per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  15  inches.    Elevation,  8,000  feet. 

Township  46  N.,  R.  10  E. — This  township  contains  much  excellent  grass 
and  hay  land  with  an  abundance  of  "water.  The  high  altitude  makes  agri- 
culture impossible.  The  eastern  portion  of  the  township  is  in  the  foothills. 
Excellent  grazing  land.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Elevation,  8,000  to  10,000 
feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  one  mile.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 

Township  47  N.,  R.  10  E. — This  township  is  crossed  by  the  crest  of  the 
Sangre  de  Cristo  range.  The  vacant  lands  are  in  the  foothills  and  can  be 
classed  as  grazing  lands.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Elevation,  12,000  feet. 
Distance  from  railroad,  three  miles.    Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches. 

Township  41  N.,  R.  11  E. — This  township  lies  in  the  extreme  eastern  por- 
tion of  the  San  Luis  valley,  three  miles  from  a  railroad.  The  land  is  gen- 
erally inferior  grazing  land;  some  of  it  is  alkaline.  This  township  is  un- 
derlaid with  artesian  water.  Value  of  land  for  grazing  purposes,  $3.50  to  $5 
per  acre.    Elevation,  8,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall  about  10  inches. 

Township  43  N.,  R.  11  E. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  comparatively 
level.  The  soil  is  sandy  and  second  rate.  Water  in  two  little  creeks,  which 
cross  this  township.     This  district  also  contains  artesian  water.     Value,  $5 


292  Saguache  County 


per  acre.  Distance  from  railroad,  five  miles.  This  township  is  located  at  the 
foot  of  the  Sangre  de  Cristo  range  of  mountains,  which  shelter  it  on  the  east. 
Elevation,  8,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  44  N.,  R.  11  E. — The  northern  and  eastern  portions  are  moun- 
tainous and  included  in  the  San  Isabel  national  forest.  The  vacant  lands  lie 
on  the  foothills  and  can  be  classed  as  grazing  lands;  partially  smooth,  sandv 
lands  and  partially  side  hill  lands.  Partly  covered  with  cedars,  sage  brush 
and  scrub  pine.  Distance  from  railroad,  six  miles.  Elevation,  8,000  feet. 
Value,  $5  per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  25  inches. 

Township  45  N.,  R.  11  E. — This  is  a  very  mountainous  and  rugged  town- 
ship extending  east  to  the  crest  of  the  Sangre  de  Cristo  range.  This  township 
is  nearly  all  included  in  the  San  Isabel  national  forest.  There  are  some  open 
lands  in  the  western  portion,  where  the  foothills  are  covered  with  a  dense 
growth  of  aspen.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Elevation,  8,000  to  13,000  feet. 
Distance  from  railroad,  six  miles.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  25  inches. 

Township  46  N.,  R.  11  E. — This  township  is  crossed  by  the  Sangre  de 
Cristo  range  and  is  included  in  the  San  Isabel  national  forest,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  a  strip  a  half  mile  wide  by  four  miles  north  and  south  along  the 
western  edge.  Rough,  foothills,  suitable  only  for  grazing.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5 
per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches.  Elevation,  8,500  to  13,000  feet. 
Distance  from  railroad,  seven  miles. 

Township  41  N.,  R.  12  E. — The  northeastern  portion  of  this  township,  in 
which  the  vacant  lands  occur,  is  in  general,  drifting  sand  hills  of  no  value 
even  for  grazing.  Distance  from  railroad,  ten  miles.  Elevation,  8,000  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 

Township  43  N.,  R.  12  E. — This  is  a  fractional  township,  lying  on  the 
western  slope  of  the  Sangre  de  Cristo  mountains.  There  is  a  small  amount  of 
agricultural  land  in  sections  6  and  7.  The  balance  is  badly  broken  by  deep 
ravines  and  gorges,  or  occupied  by  great  masses  of  fallen  rock.  Value,  $3.50  to 
$5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  8,000  feet.  Distance 
from  railroad,  ten  miles. 

PUEBLO  LAND  DISTRICT. 

Township  73  N.,  R.  25  S. — This  township  is  very  mountainous  and  lies  on 
the  crest  of  the  Sangre  de  Cristo  range.  The  open  lands  would  be  classified  as 
grazing  land.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Distance  from  railroad,  fifteen 
miles.    Annual  rainfall,  20  to  30  inches.    Elevation,  8,500  to  13,000  feet. 

Township  73  N.,  R.  26  S. — This  is  an  arid,  mountainous  township,  lying 
on  the  western  slope  of  the  Sangre  de  Cristo  range.  There  is  very  little  sur- 
face water  and  timber.  Suitable  only  for  grazing  purposes.  Value,  $3.50  to 
$5  per  acre.  Distance  from  railroad,  fifteen  miles.  Annual  rainfall,  20  inches. 
Elevation,  8,500  feet. 

MONTROSE  LAND  DISTRICT. 

Township  45  N.,  R.  1  E. — In  sections  3,  10,  15  and  16  there  are  fine 
meadow  bottoms.  In  sections  1  and  2  is  an  open  sage  brush  plain.  In  the 
southwestern  portion  there  is  a  large  open  park  through  which  the  Los  Pinos 
creek  flows  in  a  deep  cut  gulch.  There  is  a  scattering  growth  of  timber  of 
excellent  quality.  Located  twenty-five  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation, 
10,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  46  N.,  R.  1  E. — The  lands  in  sections  25,  26,  34,  35  and  36  may 
be   classed   as   first   rate    agricultural   and   hay   land,   being   open   and   well 


Saguache  County  293 


watered.  The  rest  of  the  township  is  mountainous  with  considerable  dead 
timber.  Elevation,  9,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $3.50 
to  $5  per  acre.    Located  twenty  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  48  N.,  R.  1  E. — The  center  and  eastern  portions  form  good 
grazing  lands  and  are  plentifully  watered  by  springs.  The  rest  is  moun- 
tainous, covered  with  timber  and  interspersed  with  attractive  little  parks. 
Located  five  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  9,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall, 
10  to  15  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  45  N.,  R.  2  E. — There  are  fine  grazing  lands  among  the  moun- 
tains and  parks,  which  are  sparsely  timbered  and  well  watered  by  numerous 
streams.  The  soil  is  sandy  loam  covered  with  a  good  growth  of  native  grass. 
Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Elevation,  9,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20 
inches.    Located  twenty  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  46  N.,  R.  2  E. — The  valleys  along  the  streams  are  the  finest 
quality  of  land.  The  prairie  lands  afford  excellent  pasturage.  This  town- 
ship is  well  watered  by  clear  rapid  streams  abounding  in  trout.  The  high 
table  mountain  in  the  southeastern  part  is  covered  with  a  heavy  growth  of 
spruce  timber.  Elevation,  8,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value, 
$5  to  $10  per  acre.    Twelve  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  47  N.,  R.  2  E. — In  section  33  there  is  a  very  fine  hay  bottom 
and  in  the  hills  west  of  it  is  a  large  area  of  excellent  grazing  land.  The  rest 
of  the  township  is  rough  and  hilly,  broken  by  many  canons  and  is  mostly 
barren.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Located  ten  miles  from  a  railroad. 
Elevation,  8,500  feet. 

Township  48  N.,  R.  2  E. — There  is  a  small  amount  of  arable  land  along 
the  narrow  creek  valleys.  The  timber  is  scattering.  Where  the  sage  brush 
is  burnt  off  a  fine  growth  of  grass  springs  up.  Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre. 
Located  four  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall, 
10  to  15  inches. 

Township  47  N.,  R.  3  E. — This  township  consists  principally  of  a  high 
plateau.  The  top  and  slopes  of  this  plateau  are  covered  with  pines  and  aspens. 
There  is  some  fair  grass  land  along  the  creek.  Along  the  foothills  there  is 
a  fair  range  for  cattle.  Elevation,  9,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  inches. 
Located  five  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  48  N.,  R.  3  E. — This  township  embraces  an  unusually  large 
area  of  fine  level  bottom  lands.  Outside  of  the  valleys  there  are  sage-cov- 
ered hills  and  rough  mountains.  The  timber  has  been  destroyed  by  fire. 
Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Elevation,  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  inches. 
Crossed  by  railroad. 

Township  48  N.,  R.  4  E. — Along  Cochetopa  creek  there  are  fine  hay  bot- 
toms. Outside  of  these  are  sage  covered  foothills  and  rough  mountains. 
Elevation,  8,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per 
acre.     This  township  is  crossed  by  a  railroad. 

Township  48  N.,  R.  5  E. — This  township  is  mountainous  except  along  the 
creeks,  where  there  is  some  grazing  land.  The  mountains  are  well  timbered 
There  is  no  farming  in  this  locality.  Value,  $5  to  $7  per  acre.  Elevation, 
8,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  This  township  is  crossed  by  a 
railroad. 

Township  45  N.,  R.  1  W.— The  elevation  of  this  township  is  10,000  to 
11,000  feet,  which  is  too  high  for  anything  but  grazing.  This  district  is  well 
timbered,  especially  in  the  southeastern  portion,  spruce  being  the  prevailing 


294  .  San  Juan  County 


timber.  There  are  many  small  streams  watering  the  valleys,  which  have 
good  grass.  Located  fifteen  miles  from  a  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20 
inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $6  per  acre. 

Township  46  N.,  R.  1  W. — The  surface  is  generally  mountainous.  There 
are  some  high  hills  and  ridges  which  are  well  timbered.  The  township  is 
watered  by  three  streams.  The  grass  in  the  valleys  is  good.  Elevation,  9,500 
feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Located  fifteen  miles  from  a  railroad. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $6  per  acre. 

Township  47  N.,  R.  1  W. — This  township  is  watered  by  several  streams. 
The  southeastern  portion  has  considerable  spruce  timber  on  the  hills  and 
ridges.  The  western  portion  especially  is  covered  with  a  scattering  growth  of 
young  aspens.  There  is  good  grass  along  the  streams  and  short  grass  and 
sage  brush  on  the  slopes.  Elevation,  8,500  to  10,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10 
to  15  inches.    Located  ten  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  48  N.,  R.  1  W. — The  altitude  is  too  high  for  agriculture.  There 
is  a  good  growth  of  native  grass,  making  this  an  excellent  grazing  district. 
This  section  is  watered  by  several  streams  and  covered  with  a  scattering 
growth  of  spruce  timber.  Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre.  Elevation,  8,000  to  9,500 
feet.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Located  five  miles  from  a  railroad. 


SAN   JUAN   COUNTY 

San  Juan  county  is  located  at  the  crest  of  the  San  Juan  mountains.  A 
large  proportion  of  the  area  being  above  timber  land.  This  county  has  no 
agricultural  production.  It  is  so  high,  rugged  and  mountainous  as  to  offer 
nothing  to  the  settler.  Some  portions  are  good  for  grazing  purposes,  but  even 
for  this  it  is  below  the  average. 

This  county  is  the  location  of  some  very  large  and  productive  gold,  silver 
and  copper  mines.  It  has  many  opportunities  to  offer  to  those  desiring  to 
prospect  or  invest  in  mines,  but  none  for  farmers  seeking  agricultural  lands. 

Silverton,  the  county  seat,  is  a  live,  prosperous  town  of  2,150  people,  and 
one  of  Colorado's  best  known  mining  camps. 


SAN  MIGUEL  COUNTY 

MONTROSE  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  600,240  Acres. 

San  Miguel  county  is  located  in  southwestern  Colorado,  adjoining  the 
Utah  state  line.  The  eastern  portion  of  the  county  extends  to  the  crest  of 
the  San  Juan  mountains  and  is  in  a  very  productive  gold  and  silver  mining 
district. 

Telluride,  the  county  seat,  has  a  population  of  2,000  and  is  a  mining 
camp.  The  rest  of  the  county  is  mountainous,  mesa,  prairie  and  hilly  country 
very  sparsely  settled.     The  total  population  of  the  county  is  4,700. 

The  approximate  value  per  year  of  the  agricultural  products  is  as  follows: 

Wheat,  corn   and  grain $  50,000.00 

Hay    125,000.00 

Vegetables  and  other  products 25,000.00 

Township  42  N.,  R.  10  W. — This  is  a  very  rough,  rocky  and  mountain- 
ous township.  The  soil  is  of  poor  quality.  Timber  consists  of  spruce  and 
aspen  principally.  Mostly  included  in  the  Montezuma  national  forest.  Eleva- 
tion, 9,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  over  25  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 
Located  one  mile  from  a  railroad. 

Township  43  N.,  R.  10  W. — This  township  is  crossed  by  the  San  Miguel 
river  and  a  railroad.  The  surface  is  mountainous  and  has  a  poor  soil.  There 
is  quite  a  growth  of  spruce,  pine  and  aspen  timber.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per 
acre.     Elevation,  9,000  feet.     Annual  rainfall,  over  25  inches. 

Township  44  N.,  R.  10  W. — This  is  a  rough,  mountainous  township,  cut 
by  deep  ravines  and  canons.  There  is  a  scattering  growth  of  pine  and  aspen 
timber  with  a  dense  growth  of  underbrush.  There  is  some  good  dry  farming 
land  in  this  district.  Value,  $3.50  to  $7  per  acre.  Crossed  by  a  railroad. 
Elevation,  8,500  feet. 

Township  45  N.,  R.  10  W. — This  district  is  mostly  mountainous,  with 
some  aspen  and  pine  timber.  The  southern  portion  is  cut  by  the  canon  of 
Leopard  creek  with  its  tributary  gulches.  Crossed  by  a  railroad.  Value, 
$3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Elevation,  8,500  to  9,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  about 
25  inches. 

Township  43  N.,  R.  11  W. — This  township  consists  mostly  of  mountain- 
ous, high  broken  ^nesa  lands,  timbered  with  spruce  and  aspen,  with  some  cedar, 
pinon,  Cottonwood  and  willow  trees  along  the  streams.  There  are  mineral 
mdications  in  many  places.  There  is  plenty  of  living  water  here.  A  good 
stand  of  grass  throughout.  This  is  a  good  mountain  pasture.  Value,  $3.50 
to  $5  per  acre.  A  railroad  crosses  the  northeastern  corner.  Elevation,  8,000 
to  10,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  25  inches. 

Township  44  N.,  R.  11  W. — Along  the  valleys  of  the  streams  there  are 
good  farming  lands.  Above  these  and  on  each  side  are  high,  dry  mesas  im- 
possible to  irrigate.  This  township  is  crossed  by  a  railroad.  Elevation, 
8,500  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  above  25  inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $7  per  acre. 

Township  45  N.,  R.  11  W. — The  southern  portion  is  badly  cut  up  by  deep 
canons.  The  central  and  northern  portions  consist  of  rolling  mesas  covered 
with  scattering  yellow  pine  and  thick  aspen  groves  with  a  dense  undergrowth 


296 San  Miguel  County 

of  scrub  oak.  There  are  only  small  patches  suitable  for  farming  on  these 
mesas,  although  the  elevation  is  over  8,000  feet,  small  grains  and  potatoes 
can  be  raised.  The  land  in  this  township  is  principally  useful  for  grazing 
purposes.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  above  25  inches.  Lo- 
cated two  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  43  N.,  R.  12  W. — This  township  consists  principally  of  rough, 
mountainous  land  cut  by  deep  canons.  There  are  some  good  grazing  lands 
along  the  creeks  and  some  on  top  of  the  mesas.  Elevation,  8,500  feet.  An- 
nual rainfall,  over  25  inches.  Located  four  miles  from  a  railroad.  This  is  a 
good  summer  pasturage.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  44  N.,  R.  12  W. — The  narrow  valleys  along  the  streams  are 
suitable  for  farming.  The  sides  of  the  canons  are  covered  with  a  dense 
growth  of  cedar,  pinon  and  scrub  oak  thickets.  This  is  principally  rough, 
mountainous  land.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  over  25 
inches.     Located  five  miles  from  a  railroad.     Elevation,  7,000  to  8,000  feet. 

Township  45  N.,  R.  12  W. — The  surface  is  rough,  broken  and  mountain- 
ous, with  many  bare  sandstone  rocks  and  ridges  and  considerable  heavy  tim- 
ber. Elevation,  7,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  above  25  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to 
$5  per  acre.    Located  five  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  42  N.,  R.  13  W. — This  township  is  crossed  by  the  San  Miguel 
mountains  and  is  composed  of  very  rough  land,  even  poor  for  grazing  pur- 
poses. Covered  with  pine,  spruce  and  aspeni  timber  with  a  dense  under- 
growth of  oak  brush.  Elevation,  9,000  feet.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 
Located  ten  miles  from  a  railroad.    Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches. 

Township  43  N.,  R.  13  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling  land, 
broken  in  many  portions  by  canons.  It  is  covered  with  a  dense  growth  of 
pine,  cedar  and  aspen  timber.  There  is  also  a  good  growth  of  bunch  grass 
in  the  valleys  and  on  the  mountains.  This  is  a  good  grazing  district.  Value, 
$3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Ten  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  8,500  feet.  An- 
nual rainfall,  20  to  25  inches. 

Township  44  N.,  R.  13  W. — Along  the  narrow  valley  of  Henderson  creek 
is  land  suitable  for  farming.  This  township  is  generally  dry  grazing  land, 
covered  with  a  dense  growth  of  pinon  and  cedar.  There  is  also  some  scrub 
oak,  sage  brush  and  bunch  grass,  with  a  scattering  of  yellow  pine  timber. 
Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Located  ten  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation, 
8,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  20  to  25  inches. 

Township  45  N.,  R.  13  W. — There  is  about  4,000  acres  of  land  suitable  for 
farming  in  this  township.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  7,000 
feet.     Located  twelve  miles  from  a  railroad.     Value,  $5  to  $15  per  acre. 

Township  42  N.,  R.  14  W. — This  township  is  composed  of  mountainous 
land  in  a  rough,  out-of-the-world  country.  There  are  some  small  portions 
irrigated.  The  surface  is  generally  mountainous  with  a  heavy  growth  of 
pinon,  spruce  and  aspen  timber.  Elevation,  7,500  to  9,000  feet.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 20  inches.  Located  twenty  miles  from  a  railroad.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5 
per  acre. 

Township  43  N.,  R.  14  W. — This  township  consists  of  mesa  land,  some  of 
which  can  be  irrigated,  but  mostly  very  mountainous  and  broken  by  deep 
canons.  There  is  good  grazing  along  the  streams.  Covered  with  a  dense 
growth  of  spruce  and  aspen  brush  and  some  pine  and  cedar  timber.  Located 
eighteen  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  8,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  20 
inches.     Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 


San  Miguel  County 297 

Township  44  N.,  R.  14  W. — There  are  some  farming  lands  along  the 
creeks,  but  most  of  this  township  is  broken,  hilly  land  with  deep  canons, 
covered  with  a  dense  growth  of  pinon,  aspen,  spruce  and  some  yellow  pine 
timber.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Located  eighteen  miles  from  a  railroad. 
Elevation,  7,500  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  20  inches. 

Township  45  N.,  R.  14  W. — The  northern  portion  of  this  township  is 
fine  mesa  land,  with  alluvial  soil,  but  requiring  irrigation.  This  is  a  good 
farming  and  fruit  raising  district.  This  township  is  naturally  covered  with 
cedar,  pinon  and  sage  brush.  This  district  is  underlaid  with  valuable  coal 
deposits.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  Located 
twenty  miles  from  a  railroad.    Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  42  N.,  R.  15  W. — This  township  is  mostly  mountainous,  with  a 
dense  growth  of  tall  sage  brush.  There  is  some  good  timber  of  cedar  and 
pinon  with  scattering  spruce.  The  only  running  water  in  this  township  is  in 
Disappointment  creek.  Along  this  there  are  some  excellent  lands,  some  of 
which  are  irrigated.  Elevation,  7,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Located  twenty-five  miles  from  a  railroad.     Value,  $3.50  to  $7  per  acre. 

Township  43  N.,  R.  15  W. — This  township  is  very  rough,  in  some  portions 
very  mountainous.  There  is  no  running  water.  Almost  the  entire  township 
is  covered  with  oak,  sage  brush  and  some  heavy  cedar  and  spruce  timber. 
Located  twenty-five  miles  from  a  railroad.  Elevation,  8,000  feet.  Value, 
$3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  44  N.,  R.  15  W. — This  township  is  located  at  the  head  of  Dry 
Creek  basin  and  is  rolling  mesa  land,  covered  with  a  dense  growth  of  sage 
brush  and  scattering  cedar  and  pinon  timber.  There  is  no  running  water 
and  but  very  little  grass.  This  township  is  under  a  proposed  irrigation  ditch. 
Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Located  twenty-five  miles  from  a  railroad.  Eleva- 
tion, 7,000  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 

Township  45  N.,  R.  15  W. — This  is  a  very  mountainous,  barren  section. 
There  is  no  surface  water  in  the  entire  township.  This  district  is  largely 
covered  with  scattering  pinon  and  sage  brush.  Coal  deposits  underlay  this 
district.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Located  twenty-five  miles  from  a  rail- 
road.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 

Township  42  N.,  R.  16  W. — This  township  is  generally  mountainous  and 
is  covered  with  a  dense  undergrowth  of  sage  brush,  some  pinon  and  cedar 
timber.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Located  twenty  miles  from  a  railroad. 
Elevation,  6,500  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  15  inches. 

Township  43  N.,  R.  10  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling  and 
mountainous.  It  is  timbered  with  spruce,  aspen  and  a  dense  undergrowth  of 
sage  brush.  The  soil  is  of  poor  quality  and  the  grass  is  poor.  Value,  $3.50 
to  $5  per  acre.  Located  thirty  miles  from  a  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  15 
inches. 

Township  44  N.,  R.  16  W. — The  surface  is  level  or  rolling  mesa  lands,  ex- 
cepting in  the  southwestern  portion,  which  is  very  rough  and  mountainous. 
This  district  is  under  a  proposed  irrigation  project.  At  present  this  is  poor 
grazing  land,  but  would  be  valuable  farming  land  if  irrigated.  The  timber  is 
pinon,  cedar,  with  some  pine  in  the  mountainous  portions.  Located  thirty 
miles  from  a  railroad.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Elevation,  6,500  feet.  An- 
nual rainfall,  15  inches. 

Township  45  N.,  R.  16  W. — Along  the  southern  tier  of  sections  there  is 
open  mesa  land.    The  rest  of  the  township  is  rough  and  mountainous  and  is 


298 San  Miguel  County 

only  fit  for  stock  raising.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.    Located  thirty  milei 
from  a  railroad.    Elevation,  6,500  feet.    Annual  rainfall,  15  inches. 

Township  42  N.,  R.  17  W. — The  land  is  good  in  this  township,  but  very 
rocky.  Grazing  is  good  throughout,  but  the  water  supply  is  limited.  In  the 
southern  portion  there  is  a  fine  growth  of  pine  timber  and  in  the  northern 
part  good  cedar  and  pinon  trees  abound.  Section  two  can  be  easily  irrigated. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  7,000  feet.  Located  thirty 
miles  from  a  railroad.    Value,  $3.50  per  acre. 

Township  43  N.,  R.  17  W. — The  soil  is  good  throughout  this  township  and 
a  large  portion  can  be  irrigated.  This  district  is  timbered  with  cottonwood, 
cedar  and  pinon.  There  are  coal  indications  in  section  10.  Elevation,  6,000 
feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  Located 
thirty  miles  from  a  railroad. 

Township  44  N.,  R.  17  W. — This  is  a  broken,  hilly  section,  covered  with 
a  dense  growth  of  sage  brush,  some  cedars  and  pinon  timber.  The  soil  is 
generally  poor  and  there  is  sufficient  grass  in  many  places  for  grazing. 
Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Located  thirty-five 
miles  from  a  railroad.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  45  N.,  R.  17  W. — This  township  is  high  and  mountainous,  with 
deep  ravines  and  canons.  It  is  dotted  with  cedar  and  pinon  timber,  and  con- 
tains some  open  parks  with  good  grass.  There  is  no  water  in  the  township. 
Coal  outcroppings.  This  township  forms  the  greater  portion  of  Basin  plateau. 
Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  inches.  Twenty-eight  miles  from 
a  railroad.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre. 

Township  44  N.,  R.  18  W. — Generally  good  grazing  country.  Alone  the 
creeks  is  land  that  could  be  cultivated  to  advantage.  The  ridges  are  fairly 
well  timbered  with  cedar.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  16 
inches.    Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.    Thirty-five  miles  from  railroad. 

The  rest  of  San  Miguel  county  comprises  the  extreme  western  portion, 
adjoining  the  Utah  state  line  and  is  not  surveyed. 


SEDGWICK   COUNTY 

STERLING  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  5,271  Acres. 

Sedgwick  county  is  located  in  the  extreme  northeast  corner  of  Colorado, 
adjoining  the  Nebraska  state  line.  This  county  is  crossed  by  the  South  Platte 
river,  with  its  fertile  irrigated  valley. 

The  approximate  value  per  year  of  the  agricultural  products  of  this 
county  is  as  follows: 

Wheat  and  other  grains   $300,000.00 

Hay    125,000.00 

Sugar  beets,  potatoes  and  other  crops  250,000.00 

Julesburg,  the  county  seat,  is  the  principal  town,  with  a  population  of 
1,000.  The  total  population  of  the  county  is  3,500. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  45  W. — The  Platte  river  runs  through  the  northern 
portion  of  this  township.  The  vacant  lands  are  in  the  southern  and  central 
portions.  The  surface  is  level  and  gently  rolling.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam 
There  is  good  grass.  Value,  $10  to  $15  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20 
inches.  Elevation,  3,500  feet.  The  railroad  crosses  the  township  within  three 
to  four  miles  of  the  vacant  lands. 

Township  10  N.,  R.  47  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  and  very  sandy.  There 
is  a  fair  growth  of  natural  grass.  No  surface  water.  Value,  $10  to  $12  per 
acre.  Annual  amount  of  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Lo- 
cated just  south  of  the  Platte  river  and  only  one  mile  from  the  railroad.  This 
township  is  in  the  western  part  of  Sedgwick  county. 


SUMMIT  COUNTY 

DENVER  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  6,880  Acres. 
LEADVILLE  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  546  Acres. 

Summit  County  is  located  in  the  north-central  portion  of  the  State.  It 
is  a  narrow  county,  including  the  drainage  of  the  Blue  river,  and  is  bounded 
on  all  sides  by  high  mountain  ranges.  In  the  mountains  are  mining  districts. 
There  is  a  narrow  valley  along  the  Blue  river,  of  which  the  epproximate  value 
per  year  of  agricultural  products  is  as  follows: 

Wheat   and  other   grains.... $10,000.00 

Hay    75,000.00 

Potatoes  and  other  crops 10,000.00 

The  population  of  Summit  county  is  2,003.  Breckenridge,  the  county 
seat,  has  a  population  of  834. 

The  vacant  lands  in  this  county  can  all  be  classed  as  mountainous  graz- 
ing lands.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  No  detailed  description  will  be  given. 
Many  of  the  valleys  have  been  washed  over  for  placer  gold  and  rendered  unfit 
for  cultivation  for  the  next  100,000  years.  The  elevation  of  the  county  is 
all  above  8,000  feet.     Annual  rainfall,  16  to  26  inehes. 


TELLER  COUNTY 

LEADVILLE  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  8,009  Acres. 
PUEBLO  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  38,502  Acres. 

Teller  county  is  located  in  a  high,  mountainous  section  just  west  of 
Pike's  peak.  In  the  southern  end  of  the  county  is  the  famous  Cripple  Creek 
mining  district.  Some  portions  of  the  county  are  timbered,  but  other  portions 
are  rolling,  hilly  land,  affording  good  grazing,  but  offering  very  little  op- 
portunity  for   farming. 

The  approximate  value  per  year  of  the  agricultural  products  of  this 
county  is  as  follows: 

Wheat  and  other  grains $    5,000.00 

Hay    100,000.00 

Vegetables  and  other  crops 60,000.00 

The  population  of  Teller  county  is  14,351.  Cripple  Creek,  the  county  seat, 
has  a  population  of  6,206. 

PUEBLO  LAND  DISTRICT. 

Township  16  S.,  R.  68  W.— See  Fremont  county. 

Township  11  S.,  R.  69  W. — This  township  is  crossed  by  a  valley  in  which 
there  is  some  good  agricultural  land.  This  valley  is  very  narrow  and  well 
taken  up.  A  beautiful,  attractive  country,  but  aside  from  this  narrow  valley, 
the  township  is  of  no  value  excepting  as  a  summer  resort.  Value,  $3.50  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  8,000  feet.  Distance  from 
railroad,  four  miles. 

Township  12  S.,  R.  69  W. — This  township  is  a  very  attractive  district, 
high  up  in  the  mountains.  There  are  many  pretty  little  valleys  and  numerous 
creeks  and  springs.  This  country  is  well  adapted  for  grazing  purposes.  The 
lands  are  mostly  taken  up  in  this  township,  the  only  vacant  lands  being 
rough  and  rocky  grazing  land.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Elevation,  8,500  feet. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Crossed  by  railroad. 

Township  13  S.,  R.  69  W. — This  township  is  on  the  northern  slope  of 
Pike's  peak  and  is  mostly  included  in  the  Pike's  Peak  national  forest.  Only 
a  quarter  section  is  vacant  and  that  is  rough  and  mountainous.  Principally 
grazing  land.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Township  crossed  by  railroad.  Elevation, 
9,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 

Township  16  S.,  R.  69  W. — See  Fremont  county. 

Township  12  S.,  R.  70  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  mostly  hilly. 
The  northern  portion  is  included  in  the  Pike's  Peak  national  forest.  There  are 
some  farming  lands  in  the  gulches  and  some  good  timber  and  grazing  lands. 
Elevation,  9,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Located  one  mile  from 
a  railroad.  Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre. 

Township  13  S.,  R.  70  "W. — This  is  a  rough,  rolling,  hilly  township,  high 
up  in  the  mountains.  There  is  considerable  scrub  timber.  Crossed  by  railroad. 
Elevation,  9,000  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per 
acre. 


Teller  County  301 


Township  14  S.,  R.  70  W. — This  is  a  rolling,  hilly  country,  high  up  in  the 
mountains.  There  is  a  little  bottom  land  along  the  creeks  and  some  good  tim- 
ber. Suitable  principally  for  grazing  purposes.  Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre. 
Distance  from  railroad,  four  miles.  Annual  ranifall,  15  to  20  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 8,500  feet. 

LEADVILLE  LAND  DISTRICT. 

Township  12  S.,  R.  71  W. — This  is  a  rolling,  hilly  country,  away  up  in 
the  mountains.  The  lands  along  the  valleys  was  fully  occupied  with  settlers 
as  long  ago  as  1870.  The  rest  of  this  township  is  rough  and  mountainous. 
There  is  good  grazing  in  the  hills.  The  vacant  lands  are  only  suitable  for 
grazing  purposes.  Value,  $3.50  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Ele- 
vation, 8,500  feet.  This  township  is  crossed  by  railroad. 

Township  13  S.,  R.  71  W. — A  very  attractive  section,  high  up  in  the 
mountains.  There  is  a  fertile  valley  along  Twin  creeks;  the  rest  of  the  town- 
ship is  rolling,  hilly  land.  There  is  some  timber.  The  agricultural  lands  were 
taken  up  many  years  ago.  Such  lands  as  are  vacant  are  only  good  for  grazing 
purposes.  Value,  $3.50  to  $5  per  acre.  This  township  is  crossed  by  railroad. 
Elevation,  8,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 

Township  14  S.,  R.  72  W. — See  Park  county  in  the  Leadville  Land  district. 

Township  15  S.,  R.  72  W. — See  Park  county  in  the  Leadville  Land  district. 


WASHINGTON  COUNTY 

STERLING  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  138,744  Acres. 

Washington  county  is  located  in  the  northeastern  portion  of  Colorado. 
The  surface  of  this  county  is  generally  rolling  prairie  land,  semi-arid,  with 
very  little  surface  water.  It  has  been  found  by  careful  experiments  that  a 
considerable  portion  of  the  surface  of  this  county  can  be  successfully  culti- 
vated by  modern  moisture  conservation  methods.  The  settlers  here  are  meet- 
ing with  very  good  success  in  raising  corn,  potatoes  and  other  crops. 

This  is  a  large  county  and  very  sparsely  settled  at  present.  The  total 
population  being  a  little  over  6,000;  of  this,  about  800  are  located  at  the 
county  seat,  Akron. 

This  has  long  been  a  famous  stock  country  and  will  soon  be  known  as 
one  of  the  most  prosperous  agricultural  districts  of  Colorado. 

The  approximate  value  per  year  of  the  agricultural  products  of  this 
county  is  as  follows: 

Wheat    and   other   grains $400,000.00 

Hay    200,000.00 

Potatoes  and  other  crops 100,000.00 

Township  1  N.,  R.  49  W. — The  surface  is  generally  rolling  prairie;  there 
are  some  sand  hills  and  some  stony  land.  It  is  a  good  grazing  section  with 
natural  wild  grass.  No  surface  water.  There  is  considerable  good  land  in 
this  township  suitable  for  farming.  Value,  $6  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  4,200  feet.  Three  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  1  S.,  R.  49  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  and  is  covered 
with  a  good  growth  of  grass.  The  soil  is  sandy.  It  is  good  grazing  land.  There 
are  small  lakes  and  some  surface  water  holes.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20 
inches.  Elevation,  4,300  feet.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Nine  miles  from  rail- 
road. 

Township  2  S.,  R.  49  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  partially  level 
and  partially  rolling  prairie.  There  are  some  small  lakes  and  water  holes.  It 
Is  a  good  grazing  section,  having  excellent  natural  grass.  Some  portions  are 
suitable  for  farming.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  4,400  feet. 
Value,  $6  to  $10  per  acre.    Fifteen  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  3  S.,  R.  49  W. — The  surface  is  generally  rolling  prairie  land 
with  sandy  soil,  producing  good  natural  grass.  There  are  some  surface  lakes 
and  water  holes.  No  running  water.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 4,400  feet.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Twenty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  4  S.,  R.  49  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land  with  some 
sand  hills.  The  soil  is  sandy.  Running  water  in  the  Arickaree  river,  which 
crosses  the  southeastern  corner  of  the  township.  This  is  good  grazing  land, 
having  fine  natural  grass.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  4,400 
feet.  Twenty-five  miles  from  railroad.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 

Township  2  S.,  R.  50  W. — The  surface  is  prairie  land;  comparatively  level 
in  the  western  portion;  rolling  and  hilly  in  the  eastern.  The  soil  is  sandy. 
Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,600  feet. 
Sixteen  miles  from  the  railroad.  There  is  no  surface  water. 


Washington  County 303 

Township  3  S.,  R.  50  W. — The  surface  is  prairie  land,  being  sandy  and 
hilly  in  the  eastern  portion.  No  surface  water.  This  is  fair  grazing  land. 
Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,500  feet. 
Twenty-two  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  4  S.,  R.  50  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land,  quite  level 
in  places.  The  soil  is  light  and  sandy,  covered  with  a  good  growth  of  nat- 
ural grasses.  No  surface  water.  Annual  rainfall,  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,500 
feet.  Value,  $6  to  $12  per  acre.    Twenty- five  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  51  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  level  prairie 
land.  The  soil  is  a  good  sandy  loam.  A  fair  growth  of  natural  sand  grass  is 
found  here.  Value,  $8  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Ele- 
vation, 4,400  feet.  One  mile  from  the  railroad.  There  is  no  surface  water. 

Township  2  S.,  R.  51  W. — The  surface  is  generally  rolling  prairie,  very 
nearly  level.  Water  in  some  ravines  by  digging  a  few  feet.  The  soil  is  a  clay 
and  sandy  loam.  Annual  rainfall,  12  to  18  inches.  Elevation,  4,500  feet. 
Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.     Eighteen  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  4  S.,  R.  51  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land.  There  is  no 
running  water,  but  water  holes  are  in  evidence.  The  soil  is  comparatively 
hard,  covered  with  a  good  growth  of  grass.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Aianual 
rainfall,  12  to  18  inches.  Elevation,  4,500  feet.  Twenty-five  miles  from  rail- 
road. 

Township  5  S.,  R.  51  W. — The  surface  is  prairie  land.  This  township  is 
crossed  by  the  Arickaree  river.  The  soil  is  of  fair  quality  and  is  covered  with 
a  good  growth  of  natural  grass.  Value,  $7  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall, 
12  to  18  inches.    Elevation,  4,500  feet.    Twenty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  4  N.,  R.  52  W. — The  surface  is  a  slightly  rolling  prairie.  Soil 
generally  sandy,  and  in  some  places  very  sandy.  It  is  covered  with  a  good 
growth  of  native  and  buffalo  grasses.  There  is  no  surface  water,  but  water 
can  be  found  by  digging  in  the  ravines.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Ele- 
vation, 4,400  feet.  Value,  $5  to  $12  per  acre.  Located  seven  miles  from  the 
railroad  and  Akron,  the  county  seat. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  52  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie.  The  soil  is  gen- 
erally sandy,  with  some  clay  and  sandy  loam.  There  is  a  good  growth  of 
bunch  and  buffalo  grass.  Fair  grazing  land.  No  surface  water.  Value,  $8  to  $12 
per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  12  to  18  inches.  Elevation,  4,200  feet.  Nine  miles 
from  railroad. 

Township  3  S.,  R.  52  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  gently  rolling 
prairie,  with  a  fine  growth  of  buffalo  and  bunch  grass.  It  is  somewhat  rough 
m  places.  The  soil  is  clay  and  sand.  There  is  no  surface  water,  but  water 
can  be  had  by  digging  a  few  feet  in  most  of  the  gulches.  Value,  $10  to  $20 
per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  12  to  18  inches.  Elevation,  4,700  feet.  Twenty-three 
miles  from  railroad. 

Township  4  S.,  R.  52  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  covered  with  a 
good  growth  of  natural  buffalo  and  bunch  grass.  There  is  no  surface  water, 
but  water  can  be  readily  found  by  digging.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  12  to  18  inches.  Elevation,  4,800  feet.  Twenty- five  miles  from  rail- 
road. 

Township  5  S.,  R.  52  W. — The  surface  is  a  gently  rolling  plain,  covered 
with  a  good  growth  of  bunch  grass.  The  soil  is  very  good  and  suitable  for 
farming.  There  is  no  surface  water.  Value,  $5  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall, 
12  to  18  inches.     Elevation,  4,700  feet.     Twenty  miles  from  railroad. 


304 Washington  County 

Township  2  N.,  R.  53  W. — The  surface  is  generally  high  and  rolling,  with 
some  level  prairie  land.  The  soil  is  sandy  and  not  very  good.  It  is  covered 
with  a  fair  growth  of  buffalo  grass.  There  is  no  surface  water.  Value,  $4  to 
$12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,500  feet.  This 
township  is  crossed  by  railroad  and  located  in  central  Washington  county. 
Near  Akron,  the  county  seat. 

Township  4  N.,  R.  53  W. — The  surface  in  this  townhsip  is  rather  high 
and  rolling.  The  soil  is  sandy  and  covered  with  a  good  growth  of  natural 
buffalo  grass.  Water  can  be  found  in  the  ravines  by  digging.  Some  por- 
tions of  the  township  are  exceedingly  sandy  and  of  little  value;  other  por- 
tions very  good.  Value,  $6  to  $15  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  4,400  feet.  Six  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  53  W. — The  surface  in  this  township  is  rolling  prairie 
land.  There  are  sand  hills  in  the  southern  and  eastern  portions.  There  Is  no 
surface  water.  The  grass  is  good,  affording  fair  grazing.  Value,  $4  to  $12  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  12  inches.  Elevation,  4,200  feet.  Four  miles  from 
the  railroad. 

Township  2  S.,  R.  53  W. — The  surface  is  gently  rolling  prairie  covered 
with  a  good  growth  of  bunch  and  buffalo  grass.  There  is  no  running  water; 
but  water  can  be  obtained  by  digging  a  few  feet  in  the  gulches.  The  soil  is 
of  fair  quality.  Value,  $5  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  4,800  feet.  Seventeen  miles   from  railroad. 

Township  4  S.,  R.  53  W. — The  surface  is  gently  rolling  prairie  covered 
with  a  good  growth  of  buffalo  grass.  Surface  water  is  scarce;  but  water  can 
be  obtained  by  digging  near  the  gulches.  The  soil  is  of  medium  quality. 
Value,  $6  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,000 
feet.  Twenty-five  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  5  S.,  R.  53  W. — The  surface  is  a  level  plain,  rolling  in  places. 
The  soil  is  a  hard,  sandy  loam.  It  is  good  grazing  land.  There  is  no  surface 
water.  Value,  $7  to  12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation, 
5,000  feet.  Twenty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  1  N.,  R.  54  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land.  The  soil  is 
of  hard  adobe  and  is  covered  with  a  good  growth  of  buffalo  grass.  There  is 
no  flowing  water.  Value,  $6  to  $15  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  4,600  feet.     Five  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  2  N.,  R.  54  W. — The  surface  is  comparatively  level  prairie  land 
covered  with  a  good  growth  of  native  grass.  The  soil  is  sandy  loam.  In  some 
places  native  hay  can  be  cut.  There  is  no  surface  water.  Value,  $7  to  $15  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,500  feet.  The  northeast 
corner  of  the  township  is  crossed  by  the  railroad. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  54  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie.  The  soil  is  sandy 
loam  covered  with  a  good  growth  of  grass.  There  is  no  surface  water.  Value, 
$8  to  $12  per  acre.  This  township  is  crossed  by  the  railroad.  Annual  rainfall, 
10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,400  feet. 

Township  4  N.,  R.  54  W. — The  southern  portion  of  this  township  is  roll- 
ing. The  soil  is  of  a  fair  quality,  covered  with  a  good  growth  of  buffalo 
grass.  The  other  portion  of  this  township  is  hilly  and  sandy  with  a  scant 
growth  of  bunch  and  sand  grass.  There  is  no  surface  water.  Value,  $8  to  $12 
per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,300  feet.  Three  miles 
from  railroad. 


Washington  County 305 

Township  5  N.,  R.  54  W. — The  South  Platte  river  and  the  railroad  cross 
the  northwest  corner  of  this  township.  The  vacant  lands  are  in  the  south- 
eastern portion,  where  the  land  is  rolling.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam  covered 
with  a  good  growth  of  native  grasses.  Value,  $8  to  $15  per  acre.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,200  feet. 

Township  1  S.,  R.  54  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie.  The  soil  is  good 
in  places  and  in  other  places  sandy.  It  is  covered  with  a  fair  growth  of  na- 
tive grass.  Water  is  found  in  ravines.  Grazing  is  fine.  A  portion  of  this  town- 
ship is  cultivated.  Value,  $5  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  4,700  feet.    Located  twelve  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  2  S.,  R.  54  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  generally  roll- 
ing. Loamy  soil  in  places;  other  places  sandy.  Water  found  in  pools  along 
Beaver  creek.  Fine  grazing.  Value,  $7  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to 
15  inches.     Elevation,  4,700  feet.     Eighteen  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  3  S.,  R.  54  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land.  The  soil  is 
sandy.  There  is  running  water  in  some  of  the  ravines.  Good  grazing.  Value, 
$5  to  $10  per  acre.    Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.    Elevation,  4,800  feet. 

Township  4  S.,  R.  54  W. — The  surface  is  a  rolling  prairie.  The  soil  is  a 
sandy  loam.  The  grass  is  extremely  good.  There  is  no  surface  water;  but 
water  can  be  obtained  by  digging  a  few  feet.  Value,  $6  to  $12  per  acre.  An- 
nual rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,900  feet.  Twenty-five  miles  from 
railroad. 

Township  5  S.,  R.  54  W. — The  surface  is  gently  rolling  prairie.  The  soil  is 
a  hard,  sandy  loam,  covered  with  a  good  growth  of  buffalo  grass.  The  land 
is  suitable  for  farming.  Value,  $6  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Twenty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  2  S.,  R.  55  W. — The  surface  is  partially  fine  level  farming  land 
and  partially  broken  by  ravines.  There  is  a  good  growth  of  native  grass  and 
considerable  cactus.  It  makes  a  fine  pasture.  Value,  $11  to  $18  per  acre.  An- 
nual rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,700  feet.  Twenty  miles  from  rail- 
road. 

Township  3  S.,  R.  55  W. — The  surface  is  generally  rolling  prairie.  The 
soil  is  a  clay  loam.  There  is  a  good  growth  of  native  grass.  Fine  grazing 
lands.  Water  in  ravines.  Value,  $5  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.  Elevation,  4,900  feet.  Twenty-five  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  4  S.,  R.  55  W. — The  surface  is  slightly  rolling  prairie  lands. 
The  soil  is  sandy  and  covered  with  good  grass.  There  are  a  few  cottonwood 
trees  in  the  ravines;  also  some  surface  water.  Value,  $6  to  $10  per  acre. 
Twenty-five  miles  from  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation, 
5,000  feet. 

Township  5  S.,  R.  55  W. — The  surface  is  prairie  land,  slightly  rolling  and 
broken  in  some  parts.  The  soil  varies  from  a  hard  clay  soil  to  a  sandy  loam; 
it  is  all  covered  with  a  good  growth  of  native  grasses.  Water  to  be  found  in 
ravines.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 5,000  feet.     Twenty  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  2  S.,  R.  56  W.— The  surface  is  partly  level  and  partly  rolling. 
The  soil  varies  from  a  sandy  loam  to  a  clay  loam.  There  is  a  good  growth  of 
buffalo  grass  and  cactus.  This  township  is  crossed  by  Beaver  creek,  along 
which  are  a  few  cottonwoods.  Value,  $10  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall, 
10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,900  feet.  Twenty  miles  from  railroad. 


306 Washington  County 

Township  3  S.,  R.  56  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land,  covered  with 
a  good  growth  of  buffalo  grass.  There  are  a  few  trees  in  the  ravines  and 
along  Beaver  creek.  Water  in  Beaver  creek  and  tributaries.  The  soil  varies 
from  a  clay  loam  to  a  sandy  loam.  Value,  $7  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Twenty  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  4  S.,  R.  56  W. — The  surface  is  gently  rolling  prairie  land,  cov- 
ered with  a  good  growth  of  grass.  Water  in  Beaver  creek  in  holes  or  by  dig- 
ging a  few  feet  in  the  creek  bed.  There  are  also  a  few  cottonwoods  along 
the  creek.  The  soil  is  of  fair  quality.  Value,  $5  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,100  feet.  Eighteen  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  5  S.,  R.  56  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie,  covered  with  a 
good  growth  of  buffalo  grass.  Water  is  found  in  pools  and  by  digging  a  few 
feet  in  the  ravines.  There  are  cottonwoods  along  the  creeks.  The  soil  varies 
from  a  sandy  loam  to  an  adobe.  Value,  $5  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall, 
10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,300  feet.  Fifteen  miles  from  railroad. 


WELD  COUNTY 

STERLING  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  69,219  Acres. 
DENVER  LAND  DISTRICT— Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  30,760  Acres. 

Weld  county  is  one  of  the  finest  agricultural  districts  of  Colorado.  The 
southern  portion  and  the  extreme  western  portion  of  the  county  is  nearly  all 
under  irrigation  and  in  a  high  state  of  cultivation.  It  is  a  very  productive 
district. 

The  northeastern  part  of  the  county  was  very  sparsely  settled  until  just 
a  few  years  ago.  Since  then  it  has  been  settled  rapidly.  There  are  still  good 
lands  in  this  part  of  the  county. 

Weld  county  offers  more  opportunities  for  those  who  wish  to  purchase 
improved  farms.    It  is  a  very  successful,  prosperous  agricultural  county. 

The  county  seat  is  Greeley,  with  a  population  of  8,500.  The  population  of 
the  entire  county  is  40,000. 

The  approximate  value  per  year  of  the  agricultural  products  is  as  follows: 

Wheat  and  other  grains .$2,500,000.00 

Hay    1,300,000.00 

Potatoes  and  other  vegetables 1.700,000.00 

Fruits 50,000.00 

Sugar  beets    1,900,000.00 

STERLING  LAND  DISTRICT. 

Township  8  N.,  R.  56  W. — The  surface  is  generally  rolling  prairie  land. 
Pawnee  creek  crosses  the  northern  part  of  this  township.  The  soil  is  a  clay 
loam  and  is  covered  with  a  good  growth  of  buffalo  grass.  The  railroad  runs 
along  the  southern  boundary.  Value,  $8  to  $16  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10 
to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,500  feet. 

Township  9  N.,  R.  56  W. — The  surface  is  partly  rolling  and  partly  level 
The  soil  is  principally  a  clay  loam.  This  township  is  a  little  broken  and  rocky 
in  places.  It  is  covered  with  native  grasses.  Value,  $8  to  $12  per  acre.  An- 
nual rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,500  feet.  Seven  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  10  N.,  R.  56  W. — The  surface  is  rolling.  The  soil  varies  from 
a  clay  to  sandy  loam.  There  is  water  in  the  creeks  and  several  lakes.  R  is 
good  grazing  land.  Value,  $8  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  4,700  feet.  Twelve  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  56  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  broken  con- 
siderably in  places;  some  portions,  table  land;  others,  rolling  prairie.  There 
are  some  bluifs  containing  good  building  sandstone.  Fair  grazing.  No  surface 
water.  Value,  $5  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation, 
5,000  feet.  Eighteen  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  12  N.,  R.  56  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  with  a  loamy 
soil,  rocky  in  places.  There  is  fair  grass  for  grazing  purposes;  but  no  surface 
water.  Value,  $9  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  16  inches.  Elevation, 
5,000  feet.  Eighteen  miles  from  railroad.  Located  in  northeastern  Weld 
county,  adjoining  the  Nebraska  state  line. 


308  Weld  County 


Township  8  N.,  R.  57  W. — The  surface  is  gently  rolling  excepting  along 
the  creeks  and  ravines  where  it  is  slightly  broken.  The  soil  is  principally  a 
sandy  loam,  covered  with  buffalo  grass  and  cactus.  Suitable  for  farming. 
There  is  no  surface  water.  Value,  $10  to  $15  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to 
15  inches.  Elevation,  4,500  feet.  The  railroad  crosses  this  township. 

Township  9  N.,  R.  57  W. — The  surface  is  generally  rolling;  it  is  broken 
along  Pawnee  creek.  There  is  considerable  timber  along  the  creek.  Rock  out- 
crops in  places.  The  surface  is  covered  with  a  good  growth  of  buffalo  grass. 
Value,  $6  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,500 
feet.  Six  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  10  N.,  R.  57  W. — The  surface  is  generally  rolling.  The  soil  is  a 
clay  loam  covered  with  a  good  growth  of  grass.  There  is  some  running  water 
in  the  streams.  Value,  $5  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  5,000  feet.     Twelve  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  57  W. — This  township  is  broken  and  hilly  in  the 
southern  portion;  the  balance  is  rolling  table  land.  There  is  a  small  creek 
running  through  the  township.  The  soil  varies  from  a  clay  to  a  sandy  loam. 
There  is  some  natural  hay  land.  There  is  a  good  stand  of  native  grass,  afford- 
ing fine  grazing.  Value,  $6  to  $15  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  5,100  feet.  Eighteen  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  8  N.,  R.  58  W. — The  surface  is  partly  level  and  partly  rolling 
and  broken.  It  is  fair  grazing  land.  The  soil  is  a  clay  loam.  Value,  $10  to  $12 
per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,700  feet.  Located  near 
a  railroad. 

Township  9  N.,  R.  58  W. — The  surface  is  a  rolling  prairie.  The  soil  is  a 
clay  loam  covered  with  a  good  growth  of  buffalo  and  bunch  grass.  Good 
grazing.  Very  little  water  and  no  timber.  Value,  $10  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,800  feet.  Six  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  10  N.,  R.  58  W. — The  surface  is  high,  rolling  prairie  land.  It 
is  quite  hilly  in  the  western  portion  and  cut  by  ravines.  There  is  some  water 
in  the  ravines  and  Pawnee  creek.  Good  growths  of  buffalo  and  gramma  grass. 
Value,  $7  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,800 
feet.  Located  twelve  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  58  W. — The  surface  is  mostly  rolling  prairie.  It  is 
rocky  and  hilly  in  the  southeastern  portion.  There  is  no  surface  water.  The 
soil  is  principally  a  clay  loam.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10 
to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Eighteen  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  10  N.,  R.  59  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  considerably 
broken  by  ravines  and  occasional  bluffs.  The  soil  is  principally  a  sandy  loam. 
The  stand  of  native  grass  is  fair.  Value,  $8  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall, 
10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Six  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  59  W. — The  surface  of  the  northern  portion  of  this 
township  is  rolling  prairie  land.  The  southern  portion  is  broken,  with  water 
in  the  ravines.  The  vacant  lands  are  in  the  southeastern  corner  of  the  town 
ship.  This  portion  is  good  for  grazing  and  the  soil  is  loamy.  Value,  $6  to  $12 
per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,200  feet.  Ten  miles 
from  the  railroad. 


Weld  County  309 


DENVER  LAND  DISTRICT. 

Township  9  N.,  R.  60  W. — The  surface  is  prairie  land,  rolling  in  places 
and  level  in  other  parts.  Good  soil.  Water  for  stock  part  of  the  year.  Close 
to  the  railroad.  Value,  $5  to  $20  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  5,000  feet. 

Township  10  N.,  R.  60  W. — The  surface  is  slightly  rolling;  in  some  places 
level  mesa  land.  Good  soil,  suitable  for  farming.  There  is  no  surface  water. 
The  soil  is  covered  with  a  fair  growth  of  buffalo  and  gramma  grasses.  Value, 
$8  to  $15  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,000  feet. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  60  W. — The  surface  is  generally  rolling  prairie,  with 
some  mesa  land.  The  soil  is  a  clay  loam  covered  with  buffalo  and  gramma 
grasses.  There  is  no  surface  water.  Value,  $8  to  $15  per  acre.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.     Four  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  2  N.,  R.  61  W. — The  surface  is  rolling,  sandy  prairie  land. 
There  is  some  clay  loam  covered  with  gramma  and  buffalo  grass,  also  sage 
brush.  Natural  hay  can  be  cut  in  places.  Water  can  be  obtained  from  Kiowa 
creek  part  of  the  year.  There  is  coal  under  this  land.  Value,  $8  to  $15  per 
acre.  This  stownship  is  crossed  by  the  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.  Elevation,  5,000  feet. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  61  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  undulating. 
The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam  and  is  covered  with  sage  brush,  sand  grass  and 
other  grasses.  There  is  no  surface  water.  Kiowa  creek,  which  runs  through 
this  township,  is  dry  excepting  in  flood  time.  Value,  $10  to  $20  per  acre.  An- 
nual rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,500  feet.  This  township  is  right  on 
the  railroad. 

Township  4  N.,  R.  61  W. — This  township  is  crossed  by  the  South  Platte 
river  and  the  railroad.  The  vacant  lands  are  in  the  northern  portion.  They 
are  rolling  in  character  with  a  sandy  soil,  covered  with  sand  grass  and  other 
grasses.  Value,  $6  to  $15  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation, 
4,500  feet. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  61  W. — The  surface  is  gently  rolling  prairie  land. 
The  soil  a  sandy  loam.  It  is  covered  with  gramma  and  buffalo  grass.  Crops  do 
well  here,  even  in  dry  years.  There  is  no  surface  water.  Value,  $10  to  $20 
per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,500  feet.  Five  miles 
from  the  railroad. 

Township  6  N.,  R.  61  W. — The  surface  is  gently  rolling  prairie  land.  The 
soil  is  a  sandy  loam  covered  with  a  good  growth  ot  native  grasses.  There  is 
no  surface  water.  Value,  $6  to  $15  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  4,500  feet.  Seven  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  9  N.,  R.  61  W. — The  surface  is  gently  rolling  prairie  covered 
with  good  grass.  The  soil  varies  from  a  clay  to  sandy  loam.  This  is  agricul- 
tural land.  There  is  no  surface  water.  The  railroad  crosses  a  corner  of  this 
township.  Value,  $12  to  $15  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 5,000  feet. 

Township  10  N.,  R.  61  W. — The  surface  is  high,  rolling  prairie  land,  some- 
what cut  up  by  ravines.  The  soil  is  light  and  in  some  places  slightly  sandy; 
other  portions  clay  loam  and  gumbo.  Fair  grazing.  This  township  is  crossed 
by  the  railroad.  Value,  $12  to  $15  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  5,000  feet. 


310  Weld  County 


Township  11  N.,  R.  61  W. — The  surface  is  mostly  rolling  prairie  land. 
The  soil  is  light  and  loamy  and  is  better  in  the  western  portion  than  in  the 
eastern.  Water  can  be  found  by  digging  shallow  wells.  Good  grazing.  This 
township  is  crossed  by  the  railroad.  Value,  $6  to  $18  per  acre.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,000  feet. 

Township  1  N.,  R.  62  W. — The  surface  is  gently  rolling  prairie  land.  The 
soil  is  a  sandy  loam  covered  with  buffalo  and  gramma  grass.  There  is  no  sur- 
face water.  Excellent  grass.  Value,  $10  to  $15  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to 
15  inches.  Elevation,  4,800  feet.    Six  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  2  N.,  R.  62  W. — The  surface  varies  from  level  to  gently  rolling 
prairie  land.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam  and  is  covered  with  good  native 
grasses.  There  is  no  surface  water.  Value,  $10  to  $15  per  acre.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,600  feet. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  62  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  principally  sand 
hills  and  bluffs,  with  some  parts  level;  it  is  covered  with  sage  brush  and 
sand  grass.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 4,500  feet.  Value,  $9  to  $25  per  acre.  Located  right  on  the  railroad. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  62  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land.  The  soil  is 
heavy  and  sandy  and  is  covered  with  sand  grass  and  other  grasses.  There  is 
no  surface  water.  Value,  $7  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  4,500  feet.    Two  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  9  6.,  R.  62  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land.  The  soil  in 
the  bottom  lands  is  a  sandy  loam,  while  on  the  mesa  lands  it  is  a  clay  loam 
covered  with  buffalo  and  gramma  grasses.  There  is  running  water  in  this 
township  most  of  the  year.  This  is  excellent  grazing  land.  Value,  $10  to  $15 
per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Five  miles 
from  the  railroad. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  62  W. — The  surface  is  level  prairie  land,  covered  with 
good  grass.  There  is  some  natural  hay  land.  This  township  is  crossed  by  the 
railroad.  Value,  $12  to  $16  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 5,000  feet. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  63  W. — This  township  is  crossed  on  the  south  by  the 
South  Platte  river,  along  which  is  a  fine  valley.  The  homestead  lands  are  in 
a  section  decidedly  rolling.  The  soil  is  sandy  to  sandy  loam.  There  is  no  sur- 
face water.  The  soil  is  covered  with  sand  grass  and  other  grasses.  Value,  $8 
to  $15  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  4,500  feet.  The 
railroad  crosses  this  township. 

Township  8  N.,  R.  63  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land.  Very  little 
surface  water.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam.  Grazing  generally  very  good.  Value, 
$8  to  $15  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  16  inches.  Elevation,  5,000  feet. 
Three  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  9  N.,  R.  63  W. — The  surface  is  high  rolling  prairie  land,  hilly 
in  places.  There  is  water  in  holes  part  of  the  year.  Good  growth  of  buffalo 
and  bunch  grass.  Value,  $3.50  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  5,000  feet.  Five  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  8  N.,  R.  64  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land.  The  soil  is 
sandy  in  character.  Part  of  this  township  is  under  an  old  irrigation  system 
and  part  is  under  a  new  system.  This  township  has  been  settled  up  very  rap- 
idly. Railroad  built  here  within  the  last  few  years.  Value  of  land,  $5  to  $20 
per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  16  inches.  Elevation,  5,000  feet. 


Weld  County  311 


Township  9  N.,  R.  64  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land,  hilly  in 
parts.  This  is  a  dry  farming  district.  The  soil  is  quite  sandy.  There  is  no 
water  excepting  in  wells.  Value,  $10  to  $20  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15 
inches.    Elevation,  5,000  feet.    Six  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  10  N.,  R.  64  W. — A  part  of  this  township  is  rather  hilly.  There 
is  also  some  prairie  land.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam.  There  is  a  good  growth 
of  native  grasses.  There  is  water  for  stock  in  Willow  creek.  Value,  $10  to  $15 
per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,300  feet.  Twelve  miles 
from  railroad. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  64  W. — This  is  half  a  township,  lying  against  the  Wyo- 
ming state  line.  The  surface  of  the  eastern  portion  is  gently  rolling.  There 
are  some  high  bluffs  on  the  western  side.  Spring  water  plentful  and  grazing 
good.  There  are  a  few  pines  and  cedars  on  the  bluffs  and  willows  along  the 
creeks.  On  the  eastern  portion,  the  soil  is  good  loam.  Value,  $4  to  $12  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Twelve  miles 
from  the  railroad. 

Township  9  N.,  R.  65  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  broken  by  a 
number  of  ravines.  It  is  hilly  in  places.  There  are  water  holes  in  the  creeks 
and  the  draws.  The  soil  varies  from  a  black  loam  to  a  clay  and  sandy  loam. 
Value,  $7.50  to  $30  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,300 
feet.  Three  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  65  W. — The  southern  part  of  this  township  is  gently 
rolling  prairie  land  with  a  few  scattering  valleys  and  sinks.  The  northern 
tier  of  sections  are  broken  by  the  chalk  bluffs,  especially  sections  7,  8  and  9. 
Water  is  a  little  scarce  here,  but  can  be  obtained  by  digging.  Good  native 
grasses.  The  bluff  land  is  worthless,  excepting  for  grazing  purposes.  Other 
land  worth  from  $8  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 5,500  feet.     Twelve  miles  from  the  railroad.     ^. 

Township  12  N.,  R.  65  W. — The  surface  varies  from  level  to  bluffs  ftnd 
rolling  hills  with  many  gulches.  Water  is  to  be  found  in  pools.  The  soil  is 
loamy.  Naturally,  fair  grazing  land.  The  grass  has  been  injured  by  feeding 
too  many  sheep.  Value,  $5  to  $11  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches. 
Elevation,  6,000  feet.    Nine  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  11  N.,  R.  66  W. — The  surface  is  generally  undulating,  sloping 
southward  from  the  chalk  bluffs  in  the  extreme  northern  portion  of  the  town- 
ship. The  soil  is  a  sandy,  gravelly  loam.  Value,  $5  to  $18  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,500  feet.  Three  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  12  N.,  R.  66  W. — The  eastern  part  of  this  township  is  located 
on  the  top  of  chalk  bluffs  and  called  Simpson  mesa.  It  is  rough  land.  Value, 
$3.50  per  acre.  The  western  portion  is  in  a  valley  with  bluffs  on  the  north. 
There  is  some  water  in  this  township.  Fair  grazing.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre. 
Annual  rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  6,000  feet.  Three  miles  from  the 
railroad. 

Township  9  N.,  R.  67  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  partially  level 
and  partially  broken.  Section  10  in  very  hilly.  Section  22  gently  rolling.  Sec- 
tion 30  very  rough.  The  surface  is  principally  gravelly.  There  is  some  good 
agricultural  land  in  this  township.  The  soil  is  first-class  loam.  Value,  $5  to 
$10  per  acre.  This  township  is  located  between  two  railroads  and  close  to 
each.  Rainfall,  10  to  15  inches.  Elevation,  5,500  feet. 


YUMA  COUNTY 

STERLING  LAND  DISTRICT—Area  of  Vacant  Lands,  196,766  Acres. 

This  county  is  located  in  the  northeastern  portion  of  Colorado,  adjoining 
the  Nebraska  state  line.  It  is  a  large  county  and  is  very  sparsely  settled. 
The  total  population  being  less  than  9,000.  Wray,  the  county  seat,  is  a  town 
of  1,000  people. 

The  surface  of  this  county  is  rolling,  to  level  plains.  It  has  long  been  a 
famous  stock-raising  district  and  is  located  in  what  is  generally  termed,  lo- 
cally, "the  rain  belt."  There  is  sufficient  rainfall  to  produce  crops  without  ir- 
rigation and  without  necessarily  employing  the  method  of  moisture  conserva- 
tion necessary  in  dry  farming  districts. 

A  new  immigration,  consisting  of  practical  farmers,  have  moved  into 
Yuma  county,  and  this  will  soon  be  known  as  one  of  Colorado's  best  agricul- 
tural sections. 

The  approximate  value  per  year  of  the  agricultural  products  is  as  follows : 

Wheat   and  grain $1,200,000.00 

Hay    200,000.00 

Potatoes  and  vegetables 75,000.00 

Township  3  N.,  R.  42  W. — Surface,  rolling,  sandy  prairie,  cut  by  ranges 
of  sand  hills.  The  soil,  a  sandy  loam  which  retains  the  moisture,  is  covered 
with  a  good  growth  of  natural  grass.  Corn  and  fodder  crops  and  garden  veg- 
etables are  grown  successfully  in  the  valleys.  Plenty  of  good  water  at  a 
depth  from  fifty  to  one  hundred  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 3,600  feet.    Nine  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  4  N.,  R.  42  W. — Partly  rolling  sand  hills.  Partly  rolling  prairie 
land.  The  soil  in  the  sand  hills  is  of  poor  quality,  light  sandy  loam,  covered 
with  a  good  growth  of  grass.  The  soil  on  the  prairie  is  a  heavier  grade  of 
sandy  loam  covered  with  good  native  grass,  and  will  produce  fair  crops  of 
forage  and  corn.  No  surface  water,  but  good  water  can  be  obtained  by  boring 
wells  fifty  to  one  hundred  feet.  Value,  $8  to  $12  per  acre.  Elevation,  3,600 
feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Sixteen  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  42  W. — Surface,  rolling  plain.  Soil,  sandy  loam.  Good 
natural  grass.  Suitable  for  cultivation.  Little  surface  water.  Value,  $10  to 
$12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  3,600  feet.  Fifteen 
miles   from  the  railroad. 

Township  1  S.,  R.  42  W. — This  township  is  a  rolling  prairie  with  some 
rough  hills.  The  soil  is  principally  clay.  It  is  crossed  by  the  Arickaree  river. 
There  is  some  timber  on  the  river.  The  bottom  lands  are  very  fine  agricul- 
tural lands.  The  only  lands  open  for  entry  are  the  bench  lands.  Valued  from 
$5  to  $8  per  acre.  The  annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  3,700  feet. 
Distance  from  the  railroad,  ten  miles. 

Township  2  S.,  R.  42  W. — The  surface  is  a  rolling  prairie  with  the  ex- 
ception of  the  northeast  corner,  where  it  is  crossed  by  the  Arickaree  river. 
Has  a  good  growth  of  buffalo  and  bunch  grass.  First-class  grazing.  Valued 
at  $4  to  $7  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  3,800  feet. 
Ten  miles  from  the  railroad. 


Yuma  County  813 


Township  5  S.,  R.  42  W. — Surface  generally  rolling,  some  parts  rather 
rough.  Soil  is  sandy  in  character.  Some  outcroppings  of  stone.  Valuable  prin- 
cipally for  grazing.  Not  much  surface  water.  Value,  $5  to  $7  per  acre.  Twenty 
miles  from  railroad.  Elevation,  3,800  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 

Township  2  N.,  R.  43  W. — The  surface  is  a  rolling  prairie  with  ranges 
of  sand  hills.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam  which  retains  the  moisture  and  pro- 
duces a  good  growth  of  bunch  and  buffalo  grass.  Corn  and  fodder  crops  and 
garden  vegetables  grown  successfully  on  the  prairies.  Chief  creek  flows  along 
the  southern  boundary  of  the  township,  and  along  this  creek  runs  the  rail- 
road. Plenty  of  good  water  to  be  had  at  a  depth  of  100  feet.  Value,  $8  to  $10 
per  acre.  The  annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  3,600  feet.  Wray, 
the  county  seat,  is  located  just  outside  the  boundaries  of  this  township.  It  is 
convenient  to  town  and  railroad. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  43  W. — The  surface  is  partly  a  level  prairie  and  partly 
covered  with  sand  hills.  The  soil  is  especially  sandy;  of  little  value  up  to  the 
present  time,  except  for  pasturage.  Value,  $5  to  $6  per  acre.  Ten  miles  from 
the  railroad.  Elevation,  3,600  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 

Township  4  N.,  R.  43  W. — Surface,  rolling  sand  hills  and  prairie  land,  lat- 
ter predominating.  The  soil  on  the  prairie  is  a  fairly  heavy  sandy  loam,  cov- 
ered with  a  good  growth  of  buffalo  grass.  When  cultivated,  raises  good  crops. 
No  surface  water,  but  plenty  of  good  water  is  found  at  an  average  depth  of 
100  feet.  There  is  a  small  growth  of  trees  in  a  number  of  places.  Fifteen 
miles  from  the  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  3,600  feet. 
Valued  at  $5  to  $15  per  acre. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  43  W. — Surface  generally  rolling,  almost  hilly  in  places. 
Soil,  medium  grade  of  sandy  loam,  much  better  on  the  prairies,  where  it  will 
produce  a  fair  crop  of  forage  plants.  The  surface  is  covered  with  good  grass. 
Furnishes  a  fine  cattle  range.  No  surface  water  but  plenty  can  be  had  at  a 
depth  of  from  50  to  100  feet.  Settlers  are  successful  by  combining  stock  rais- 
ing and  farming.  Elevation,  3,600  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Fif- 
teen miles  from  the  railroad.    Value,  $10  to  $15  per  acre. 

Township  2  S.,  R.  43  W. — This  township  is  generally  hilly  except  where 
crossed  by  the  Arickaree  river,  along  which  there  are  fine  bottom  lands.  The 
entire  township  is  well  covered  with  good  grass  and  suitable  for  grazing.  Con- 
siderable timber  along  the  creeks.  Elevation,  3,800  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15 
to  20  inches.    Fifteen  miles  from  the  railroad.    Value,  $6  to  $12  per  acre. 

Township  3  S.,  R.  43  W. — The  surface  is  a  gently  rolling  prairie.  The  soil 
is  clay  and  sand  in  some  parts,  a  sandy  loam  in  others.  The  surface  is  covered 
with  a  good  growth  of  buffalo  grass  and  is  suitable  for  dry  farming.  Some 
timber  along  the  streams.  Value  from  $8  to  $11  per  acre.  The  annual  rainfall 
is  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  3,700  feet.     Twenty  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  4  S.,  R.  43  W. — The  surface  is  a  rolling  prairie;  rough  in 
places.  Covered  with  a  good  growth  of  buffalo  and  bunch  grass.  Not  much 
surface  water.  Value,  $7  to  $15  per  acre.  Elevation,  3,800  feet.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 15  to  20  inches.  Eighteen  miles  from  the  railroad. 

Township  1  N.,  R.  44  W. — The  Republican  river  crosses  the  northern  por- 
tion of  this  township.  The  surface,  in  some  portions  is  sandy;  some,  broken 
and  some  fine  farming  land.  Stone,  suitable  for  building  purposes,  crop  out  in 
several  places.  The  township  is  crossed  by  railroad,  and  adjoins  Wray,  the 
county  seat.  Value,  $4  to  $30  per  acre.  Elevation,  3,500  feet.  Annual  rainfall, 
15  to  20  inches. 


314  Yuma  County 


Township  2  N.,  R.  44  W. — The  surface  is  rolling,  sandy  prairie,  cut  by  a 
range  of  sand  hills.  The  soil  retains  the  moisture  and  produces  a  good  growth 
of  bunch  and  buffalo  grass.  Corn  and  forage  crops  are  grown  successfully  in 
the  valleys.  An  abundant  supply  of  good  water  can  be  obtained  at  a  depth  of 
about  100  feet.  There  are  some  small  creeks  running  across  the  township; 
however,  they  are  dry  most  of  the  time.  Value,  $5.50  per  acre.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  3,600  feet.  Railroad  crosses  southern  portion. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  44  W. — The  surface  consists  of  rolling  sandy  prairie 
and  sand  hills.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam  which  retains  the  moisture.  There  is 
a  good  growth  of  bunch  and  buffalo  grass.  Corn  and  fodder  crops  and  garden 
vegetables  are  grown  successfully  in  the  valleys.  There  is  plenty  of  good 
water  obtained  at  a  depth  of  about  100  feet.  Used  for  grazing  principally  at 
the  present  time.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 3,500  feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  six  miles. 

Township  4  N.,  R.  44  W. — This  township  is  about  evenly  divided  be- 
tweeen  rolling  prairie  land  and  sand  hills.  The  sandy  quality  of  the  soil  and 
subsoil  allows  the  surface  water  to  sink  away.  The  soil  on  the  hills  is  very 
sandy  and  of  poor  quality,  producing  only  a  growth  of  bunch  grass.  On  the 
prairies  the  soil  is  a  heavier  sand  loam,  varying  from  10  to  12  inches  in 
depth  and  capable  of  raising  fair  crops  of  corn,  maize  and  forage  plants. 
Small  grains  do  not  do  well,  owing  to  the  softness  of  the  sand  and  its  tend- 
ency to  blow  when  disturbed.  Grazing  is  good.  There  are  a  few  small  groves 
of  trees.  Good  water  can  be  obtained  at  a  depth  of  50  to  100  feet.  There  is 
no  surface  water  in  the  township,  as  Willow  creek  is  generally  dry.  Value, 
$5  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  3,600  feet.  Distance 
from  railroad,  twelve  miles. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  44  W. — Most  of  this  township  is  hilly.  A  small  propor- 
tion rolling,  sandy  prairies.  There  is  no  distinct  drainage  as  water  sinks 
below  the  surface  or  stands  in  holes.  The  soil  on  the  hills  is  of  poor  quality, 
being  light  and  sandy.  On  the  prairies,  it  is  somewhat  better,  but  very  sandy. 
This  sandy  soil  holds  moisture  well  and  produces  fairly  good  crops  of  milo, 
maize,  sorghum  and  corn.  On  the  unbroken  land  there  is  a  good  growth  of 
bunch  grass  and  some  buffalo  grass.  The  sand  hills  in  the  northwestern  por- 
tion are  very  broken  and  of  no  value  except  for  grazing.  They  contain  numer- 
ous water  holes  with  good  water,  which  makes  them  desirable  for  range. 
Water  of  the  best  quality  may  be  obtained  at  a  depth  of  from  a  few  feet  to 
150  feet.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 3,600  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  ten  miles. 

Township  1  S.,  R.  44  W. — The  surface  is  mostly  prairie  land,  broken  in 
places.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam.  Some  good  agricultural  lands.  Six  miles 
from  the  railroad.  Value,  $10  to  $15  per  acre.  Elevation,  3,800  feet.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 

Township  2  S.,  R.  44  W. — The  surface  of  the  eastern  portion  of  this  town- 
ship is  a  little  broken.  The  western  portion  is  a  slightly  rolling  prairie,  level 
in  places.  The  soil  is  good.  Some  natural  hay  land.  Value,  $5  to  $15  per  acre. 
Elevation,  3,800  feet.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Eleven  miles  from  the 
railroad. 

Township  3  S.,  R.  44  W. — The  surface  is  generally  rough  and  broken  in 
the  northern  and  western  portions.  There  are  many  ravines,  some  of  them 
containing  water  and  timber,  affording  good  shelter  for  cattle  and  sheep. 
The  Arickaree  river  runs  diagonally  through  the  township.  The  southeastern 
portion  is  more  level.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam.  Value,  $5  to  $15  per  acre. 
The  annual  rainfall  is  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  3,800  feet.  Twenty  miles 
from  the  railroad. 


Yuma  County  315 


Township  1  N.,  R.  45  W. — The  surface  is  a  rolling  plain.  There  are  some 
sand  hills  and  some  bluffs.  There  is  no  surface  water  except  on  the  north 
fork  of  the  Republican  river.  Not  much  land  left  in  this  township,  and  that 
poor.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  One  mile  from  the  railroad.  Annual  rainfall, 
15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  3,900  feet. 

Township  2  N.,  R.  45  W. — This  township  is  composed  of  rolling  sand  hills 
cut  by  rolling,  sandy  valleys.  The  soil  is  generally  light,  sandy  loam;  in 
some  of  the  valleys  it  is  a  light,  sandy,  clay  loam  of  good  quality  and  depth. 
The  soil  retains  moisture  and  good  growths  of  buffalo  and  bunch  grass  in 
general.  Forage  crops  are  successfully  raised,  and  corn  is  a  fairly  regular 
crop.  Potatoes  and  root  vegetables  do  well,  but  small  grains  are  hard  to 
raise.  Alfalfa  does  well  in  the  valley  of  Sheep  creek.  An  abundance  of  good 
water  is  obtained  at  a  depth  of  10  to  100  feet.  Shade  trees  are  raised  suc- 
cessfully, if  carefully  tended;  cottonwood  and  the  box  elder  being  the  best 
selection.  Sheep  creek  is  a  live  stream  of  good,  clear  water  flowing  in  all 
seasons.  The  township  is  crossed  by  railroad  and  is  only  six  miles  from  Wray, 
the  county  seat.  Value,  $6  to  $7  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Elevation,  3,600  feet. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  45  W. — This  township  consists  of  rolling,  sandy  prairie 
and  sand  hills.  The  soil  in  general  is  a  light,  sandy  loam,  which  retains  mois- 
ture. It  is  covered  with  a  good  growth  of  bunch  and  buffalo  grass.  Corn  and 
forage  crops  are  grown  successfully  in  the  valleys.  An  abundance  of  good 
water  is  obtained  at  a  depth  of  100  feet.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  3,600  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  six 
miles. 

Township  4  N.,  R.  45  W. — This  township  consists  of  rolling  sand  hills  and 
rolling  prairies.  The  soil  is  mostly  a  poor  grade  of  sandy  loam.  In  the  valleys 
it  is  soft  and  blows  easily  when  disturbed.  A  small  area  of  this  land  is  being 
farmed  at  present  and  produces  fair  crops  of  corn.  The  soil  is  too  light  for 
small  grains.  This  land  is  naturally  covered  with  good  growth  of  bunch  grass 
and  some  buffalo  grass.  There  is  no  surface  water  in  the  township,  but  water 
of  good  quality  is  obtained  at  a  depth  of  100  feet.  This  township  is  very 
sparsely  settled.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Elevation,  3,600  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  twelve  miles. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  45  W. — This  township  contains  some  hills,  but  is  gen- 
erally rolling  and  more  or  less  sandy.  The  prairies  are  flat  and  nearly  level 
with  a  heavy,  sandy  loam,  holding  the  moisture  well,  and  are  quite  produc- 
tive. The  smaller  grains  do  not  do  well  here.  There  are  springs  in  the  north- 
western and  southern  portions.  Where  there  is  clay  in  the  soil,  it  lends 
itself  to  the  growth  of  wheat,  rye  and  small  grains.  The  natural  sod  grows 
a  good  growth  of  buffalo  grass,  which  is  a  very  strong  and  nourishing  food 
for  cattle.  There  are  water  holes  throughout  the  sand  hills  containing  good 
water  for  stock.  Fine  well  water  can  be  found  almost  anywhere  at  a  depth 
of  a  few  feet  to  150  feet.  The  township  is  ideal  for  stock  raising  and  dry 
farming  is  carried  on  successfully  where  the  soil  is  heavy  enough  to  work. 
Value,  $6  to  $15  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  3,600 
feet.    Distance  from  railroad,  ten  miles. 

Township  1  S.,  R.  45  W. — This  township  is  practically  all  taken.  There  is 
some  vacant  land  in  section  1,  located  in  the  bluffs.  Value,  $5  per  acre.  Seven 
miles  from  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  4,000  feet. 

Township  2  S.,  R.  45  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land  with  a  good 
growth  of  buffalo   grass.   No   surface   water.   Principally  good   for   grazing. 


316  Yuma  County 


Plenty  of  good  water  obtained  from  wells.  Value,  $6  to  $8  per  acre.  Twelve 
miles  from  the  railroad.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.    Elevation,  4,000  feet. 

Township  3  S.,  R.  45  W. — The  surface  is  generally  a  rolling  prairie  with 
bluffs  south  of  the  Arickaree  river,  which  runs  across  the  southern  end  of 
the  township.  The  soil  is  quite  sandy  but  can  be  cultivated.  No  surface  water 
excepting  along  the  river.  The  surface  is  covered  with  a  fine  growth  of  natural 
grass.  Twenty  miles  from  the  railroad.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  4,000  feet. 

Township  4  S.,  R.  45  W. — Rolling  prairie  land  with  bluffs  along  the 
Arickaree  river  in  the  extreme  northern  portion.  No  surface  water.  Fair 
quality  of  soil  and  good  grass.  Rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  4,000 
feet.    Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre.     Twenty- four  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  1  N.,  R.  46  W. — The  surface  is  a  rolling  prairie  covered  with  a 
good  growth  of  natural  grasses.  Good  grazing.  The  soil  is  sandy.  No  surface 
water.  Value,  $7  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation, 
4,000  feet.    Two  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  2  N.,  R.  46  W. — Surface,  generally  rolling  prairie,  covered  with 
a  good  growth  of  natural  grasses.  The  soil  is  sandy.  No  surface  water.  The 
railroad  crosses  this  township.  Value,  $5  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  16 
to  20  inches.  Elevation,  4,000  feet. 

Township  3  N.,  R.  46  W. — Surface,  rolling  prairie  land.  The  soil  is  sandy. 
Good  pasture,  with  natural  buffalo  and  bunch  grass.  Value,  $4  to  $7  per  acre. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Five  miles  from  rail- 
road. 

Township  4  N.,  R.  46  W. — Tlie  surface  is  rolling  prairie.  Soil  is  sandy. 
Good  grazing,  with  natural  sand  and  bunch  grass.  Some  surface  water  to  be 
found  in  ravines.  Twelve  miles  from  the  railroad.  Value,  $6  to  $10  per  acre. 
Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.     Elevation,  3,800  feet. 

Township  5  N.,  R.  46  W. — The  surface  is  a  rolling  prairie,  with  some  sand 
hills.  Fine  grazing  land,  covered  with  a  good  type  of  grass.  No  surface  water. 
Value,  $8  to  $12  per  acre.  Twelve  miles  from  the  railroad.  Annual  rainfall, 
15  to  20  inches.    Elevation,  3,800  feet. 

Township  1  S.,  R.  46  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  land.  The  soil  is  a  light, 
sandy  loam,  which  retains  moisture.  There  is  a  good  growth  of  bunch  and 
buffalo  grass,  but  no  timber.  Value  of  the  grazing  lands,  located  in  the  sand 
hills,  $6  per  acre.  The  prairie  farm  lands  are  valued  at  from  $6  to  $12  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  3,600  feet.  Distance  from 
railroad,  seven  miles. 

Township  2  S.,  R.  46  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land.  The  soil  is 
sandy  loam  of  fine  texture,  which  retains  the  moisture  on  a  sandy  subsoil. 
There  is  a  good  growth  of  buffalo  and  bunch  grass.  No  timber.  No  surface 
water,  excepting  occasional  water  holes.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual 
rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  3,600  feet.  Distance  from  railroad,  twelve 
miles. 

Township  3  S.,  R.  46  W. — The  southern  portion  of  this  township,  through 
which  flows  the  Arickaree  river,  contains  good  meadow  and  hay  lands.  Other 
portions  are  hilly  and  broken,  but  good  grazing  land.  There  are  fine  natural 
grasses.  Water  holes  in  many  ravines.  The  soil  is  sandy.  Value,  $6  to  $15 
per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  4,000  feet.  Eighteen 
miles  from  railroad. 


Yuma  County  317 


Township  4  S.,  R.  46  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land;  it  is  a  fine 
range  for  stock;  having  good  natural  grasses.  There  is  no  surface  water  ex- 
cepting along  the  Arickaree  river  in  the  extreme  northern  portion.  The  soil 
is  a  sandy  loam.  Some  portions  of  the  township  are  suitable  for  farming. 
Value,  $7  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  amount  of  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Eleva- 
tion, 4,000  feet.     Twenty- five  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  1  N.,  R.  47  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land.  The  soil  is 
quite  sandy.  It  is  good  grazing  land.  Some  small  lakes  and  water  holes. 
Value,  $4  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  4,000 
feet.    Two  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  1  S.,  R.  47  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling  prairie 
The  soil  is  a  light,  sandy  loam  of  fine  texture  on  a  sandy  subsoil  which  re- 
tains moisture  well.  Good  growth  of  bunch  and  buffalo  grass.  No  timber. 
No  surface  water.  Value,  $6  to  $8  per  acre.  Elevation,  4,100  feet.  Distance 
from  railroad,  seven  miles.    Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 

Township  2  S.,  R.  47  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling  prairie. 
The  soil  is  a  light,  sandy  loam  of  fine  texture,  naturally  moist,  on  a  sandy 
subsoil.  There  is  a  good  growth  of  bunch  and  buffalo  grass.  No  timber.  No 
surface  water  aside  from  a  few  water  holes.  Value,  $6  to  $8  per  acre.  An- 
nual rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  4,100  feet.  Distance  from  railroad, 
thirteen  miles. 

Township  3  S.,  R.  47  W. — The  surface  is  rolling  prairie  land.  The  soil  is 
a  moist,  sandy  loam  of  medium  texture  on  a  sandy  subsoil.  There  is  a  good 
growth  of  buffalo  and  bunch  grass.  No  timber.  In  the  southeastern  portion 
of  the  township  are  bluffs,  along  the  Arickaree  river.  Value,  $5  to  $7  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  4,100  feet.  Distance  from 
railroad,  twenty  miles. 

Township  4  S.,  R.  47  W. — The  surface  is  a  rolling  prairie  land.  The  Arick- 
aree river  crosses  the  northern  portion  of  the  township.  This  is  a  good  stock 
section.  It  is  fine  grazing  land.  No  surface  water,  excepting  in  the  river. 
Value,  $6  to  $12  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  4,000 
feet.    Twenty- five  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  1  N.,  R.  48  W. — The  surface  is  generally  rolling  prairie.  The 
soil  is  sandy.  It  is  a  good  grazing  country  with  fine  natural  grass.  Frequent 
small  lakes  and  water  holes.  Considerable  land  in  this  township  is  under 
cultavation.  Value,  $8  to  $20  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches. 
Elevation,  4,000  feet.     Two  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  1  S.,  R.  48  W. — Gently  rolling  surface,  interspersed  with  sand 
hills.  There  is  a  good  growth  of  natural  buffalo  grass.  Small  lakes  and 
natural  water  holes  are  in  evidence.  Value,  $5  to  $8  per  acre.  Annual  rain- 
fall, 15  to  20  inches.     Elevation,  4,000  feet.     Eight  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  2  S.,  R.  48  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  gently  rolling 
prairie.  The  soil  is  a  light,  sandy  loam  of  fine  texture  with  a  moist,  sandy 
subsoil.  There  is  a  good  growth  of  bunch  and  buffalo  grass.  No  timber. 
Water  holes  in  places,  and  lakes  in  some  parts  that  have  water  in  some  sea- 
sons of  the  year.  No  running  water  in  the  township.  Value,  $5  to  $7  per 
acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  4,300  feet.  Distance  from 
railroad,  fifteen  miles. 

Township  3  S.,  R.  48  W. — The  surface  of  this  township  is  rolling  prairie. 
The  soil  is  a  moist,  sandy  loam  of  medium  texture,  on  a  sandy  subsoil.    There 


318  Yuma  County 


is  a  good  growth  of  bunch  and  buffalo  grass.  No  timber.  Surface  water  in 
holes  during  certain  seasons.  No  running  water  in  the  township.  Value,  $5 
to  $7  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  4,300  feet.  Dis- 
tance from  railroad,  twenty  miles. 

Township  4  S.,  R.  48  W. — This  township  is  crossed  by  the  Arickaree  river. 
There  are  vacant  lands  on  the  northern  side  of  the  river,  where  the  soil  ia 
sandy.  The  surface  is  covered  with  a  good  growth  of  natural  grass.  Value, 
$7  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  15  to  20  inches.  Elevation,  4,000  feet. 
Twenty- four  miles  from  railroad. 

Township  5  S.,  R.  48  W. — The  surface  is  generally  rolling  prairie  land, 
comparatively  level  in  places.  Suitable  for  farming.  The  soil  is  generally 
gandy.  Value,  $5  to  $10  per  acre.  Annual  rainfall,  16  to  20  inches.  Elevation, 
4,000  feet.    Eighteen  miles  from  railroad. 


Maps  of 
Colorado 
Land 
DistricSts 

Showing 

ExaSi  Location  of 

Free  Lands 


One  or  more  of  these  Maps  is  essential  to 

make  intelligent  use  of  the  descriptions 

in  this  book. 


A  series  of  accurate  sectional  maps,  one  for  each  land  district, 
showing  plainly  printed  in  red  the  exact  location  of  all  free  land.  By- 
means  of  these  maps  the  settler  can  find  every  forty-acre  tract  that  has 
not  been  entered.  Much  good  land  lies  vacant.  These  maps  show 
where  it  is,  how  far  from  towns,  and  whether  near  a  river,  creek  or  lake. 
The  maps  also  show  the  principal  wagon  roads — all  railroads,  towns, 
county  postoffices,  rivers,  creeks,  lakes.  National  Forests,  etc. 

A  SEPARATE  MAP  FOR  EACH  DISTRICT 


Del  Norte  District $1.00 

Denver  District 1.00 

Durango  District 1.00 

Glen  wood  District LOO 


Lamar  District $1.00 

Montrose  District 1.00 

Pueblo  District 1.00 

Sterling  District 1.00 


Find  the  kind  of  land  you  desire  from  the  descriptions  in  this  book, 
then  send  $1.00  for  the  map  of  that  district,  to  see  what  is  vacant. 

THE  CLASON  MAP  CO.,  Publishers 
1515  Tremont  Street  Denver,  Colorado 


INDEX 


ILLUSTRATIONS  Page 

Frontispiece    4 

Bird's-eye  View  of  Colorado 8-9 

Map  of  Colorado 24-25 

Outline  Map  of  Colorado 37 

INTRODUCTORY 

Foreword 1 

Free  Homestead  Lands  of  Colorado 5 

Successful  Settlers 10 

Why  Colorado  is  a  Good  Place  to  Live 12 

Land  Districts  of  Colorado v 21 

Making  Good  on  a  Homestead 27 

Natural  Divisions  of  Colorado 30 

How  to  File  on  a  Homestead 33 

Explanation  of  Descriptions 36 

COUNTIES 


Page 

Adams 42 

Alamosa 44 

Arapahoe   46 

Archuleta 47 

Baca    51 

Bent    60 

Boulder 66 

ChaflFee   68 

Cheyenne   70 

Clear  Creek 76 

Conejos 76 

Costilla 79 

Crowley    79 

Custer 82 

Delta 84 

Dolores  88 

Douglas    90 

Eagle    91 

Elbert  95 

El  Paso 97 

Fremont  100 

Garfield 106 

Gilpin    114 

Grand    115 

Gunnison    120 

Hinsdale 126 

Huerfano   128 

Jackson    134 

Jefferson    139 

Kiowa 140 

Kit  Carson 145 


Page 

Lake    153 

La  Plata 154 

Larimer    159 

Las  Animas 165 

Lincoln   179 

Logan    188 

Mesa    192 

Mineral 203 

Moffat 203 

Montezuma 226 

Montrose    231 

Morgan 238 

Otero 242 

Ouray   246 

Park    248 

Phillips 254 

Pitkin   255 

Prowers 257 

Pueblo 262 

Rio  Blanco 268 

Rio  Grande 278 

Routt    280 

Saguache    287 

San  Juan 29 1 

San  Miguel 295 

Sedgwick    299 

Summit    299 

Teller    300 

Washington 302 

Weld   307 

Yuma    312 


r- 


0' 


i 

^^L.,/^.iju^.^ 

MAP  OF 

COLORADO 

SHOWING                                           i 

TOWNSHIPS 

NATIONAL    FORESTS 

COUNTIES 

,       RAILROADS  , 

AND 

AREAS  WITHIN  WHICH  THE 

VACANT    LANDS    ARE    SUB- 

JECT TO   320   ACRE    HOME- 

1 

1                          STEAD  FILINGS. 

'JL77-:-  ^ 

I             ■                                                         - 

